From Pocket's Journal....

[joegoda]

To whomever reads this;
Dated sometime around the 11th year of Bags and Grizelda's rule of Tears, cuz I was never good with dates.

We went to Market!
Bags came and picked me up about eleven in the morning. Griz stayed at the Mansion as she wasn't feeling all that well yet, after having a long bout with the Cooties. It would be a while before she would be able to travel any big distance. I'd miss her, because she distracts Bags really good and it tends to let me be me. 'Course, on the other hand, I tend to get into a lot less trouble with only Bags around. I don't know why, but when Bags is distracted, things just tend to not go so great. It's not like I try to get into trouble.

We traveled the two hours to the Market, and such sights we saw when we got there. People, of all shapes and sizes were everywhere! I mean, it's not like I don't see them anyway, but usually, it's because they come to me bringing something to be fixed or to ask a question about how to do something or they have some other thing they need from me. So, to see them just because I was out and about them... well, that's a whole nuther kettle of kippers.

We wandered about for quite a while, looking at trinkets and other things. I wished Griz was there, because she was needing some new clothing, and there clothing there was! Griz clothing! There was also Bags clothing and even Pockets clothing. I found a new hat, but didn't buy it. I know there's enough in the treasury to buy almost everything there, but still... I have a hat, and it's a good one. Still, next time we go to market, I think I'll buy that hat, just because my old hat tends to cause people to laugh, which in and of itself is not a bad thing.

We kept wandering and seeing all sorts of stuff. Bags, being Bags, stopped at every weapons maker there was. They blah blahed and talked about weight and balance and composition and stuff like that until it was pouring out my ears.

Silly people. I've tried to explain to them that a slight additive of aluminum would make the swords lighter and easier to handle. Granted, they would lose a bit of structural integrity, but really... I think the trade off would be worth it in the end. They just don't listen to me. Maybe it's the hat.

Anyway, while Bags was occupied, I did see something amazing! One of the forest folks, a true tree spirit, female and almost eleven foot tall, was walking among the merchants and townsfolk. Nobody else thought it was strange to have one of the fairy folk there, so who was I to be any different. Besides, I've seen them before, just not in town. I approached her and asked her if she would hold Simon, so I could sketch her like that, and she agreed!

As I was sitting there, sketching away, Bags showed up and drug me away. I think I got a pretty decent picture of her. Soon as I can, I'll include it here.

We continued wandering and looking, and Bags continued talking to weapons makers and boring me. He did do something nice for Griz and picked up a hair doo-dad for her. I don't quite understand hair doo-dads, but it looked pretty enough. Bags understands these things better than I ever will. I'm sure Griz will like it. After all, it came from Bags.

While Bags was occupied, I wandered into a place with someone I'd never seen in town. She was talking about cleanliness and how the people of other places like Bangala aren't really barbarians and aren't really filthy at all. I knew this. After all, I lived there for a while. Heck, I almost got married into them.

We talked for a while, this woman and I, and she had never heard of me before either. I never got her name. I introduced myself to her and told her that I was an immortal. She laughed at this and I don't know if I was offended or not. Before I could get into an argument about my longevity, Bags showed up and told me that the Gauntlet was flying nearby.

Well, I love the Gauntlet, and watching them was only a lot better than arguing with someone who had their mind set on what was possible and what was not possible, so I left. I'm sure she thought I was crazy, and that didn't matter much. She could get in line, as there are lots of folks that think I'm crazy.

The Gauntlet was flying fine that day. Lady Val, Bob Falconer's bird, was in fine fettle and gave Bob some good argument. The crowd that was watching was entertained and Bob was in good form, his voice strong and clear. His squire was quick on the move, but a bit distracted by the number of young and pretty girls nearby. The Squire's mother, April, Bob's assistant and financial manager, stood at the far end of the field and held Val until Bob was ready for the Bird to go sweeping close to the ground and to swoop soaringly over the heads of the volunteers who had decided to be Bob's human hedge row. It's one of my favorite bits. One mistake on the part of Val or the volunteers and something bad would happen, like a bird in the chest at twenty five miles an hour.

So far, I have never heard of Val ever embedding herself in someone's chest. I would say that is a good thing.

From the Gauntlet's flying ground, we wandered a bit more, and came across a merchant whose tent was about to be blown away by the wind. While I helped repair some structural damage, Bags worked with the woman to get the lines holding her tent secured better in the ground. Bags is good at that. He asked her if she had some rope or line to hold a particularly weak spot. She didn't, she said, but she did have some thick yellow ribbon. I looked at it and it was made of fine and strong fibers from the sissal plant. Basically, it was the same as a good strong line, only flattened out. I told them it would be fine and probably stronger than the rest of the lines. Bags and the woman secured the tent at it's weakest point. She thanked us and we moved on. I don't know if it held very long, as we didn't go back, but I'm of the mind that it did fine. The woman said her husband would be coming soon, but he was in another village and it would take him some time, so I didn't worry.

We wandered a bit more, listening to some Hawkers try to get us involved with their wares and games, but I tried my best to ignore them. Bags looked at me and asked a question he must have asked a thousand times.

"Does everyone have to talk to you?"

Really, it's not anything *I* do. It's just something that happens. I'd like to think it's my naturally good nature. I'd like to think that. Really. I would.

There is so much more, of course. We ate interesting things, and got to listen to Queen's Gamboni, who is always a pleasure to hear. I'll journal more later, but for now, Pockets must be to bed. Tomorrow is another day.

Comments

[capi.livejournal.com]

From the Gauntlet's flying ground, we wandered a bit more, and came across a merchant whose tent was about to be blown away by the wind. While I helped repair some structural damage, Bags worked with the woman to get the lines holding her tent secured better in the ground. Bags is good at that. He asked her if she had some rope or line to hold a particularly weak spot. She didn't, she said, but she did have some think yellow ribbon. (( think? er.... thick?))
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We wandered a bit more, listening to some Hawkers try to get us involved with their wears (( wares? ))

You must have gotten tired; these both happened right at the very end. Thank you for giving me your day at faire, dear heart..... *smile* I love it. I LOVE it. *holds it very very close to her heart*

[joegoda.livejournal.com]

You are very welcome, my Capitani! I was tired, and I am still not quite feeling my best. I am getting better, though! We looked through some cloaks for Bags, but nothing really struck us. We found some for only 105, and they were good quality, but they just didn't fit him. Too tight around the neck, tiny little hood, and the hem was too high off the ground.

Lots, lots, LOTS of pretty things for Griz, but all sort of out of the immediate budget, darn it.

Miss my sis, I do, and love her bunches and more!

[capi.livejournal.com]

Wait... did i completely fail to mention that both Griz AND Bags are first in line for cloaks? Huh?

*scratches head* I mean, i know i take forever and everything, but.....

Bags oughta not be searching for cloaks. No sirree BUB!

Of course, i'll need their measurements, but these are not exactly narrowly fitted items. *L* At one time, i knew even their color choices, but there has been a bad winter since then, which sorta kinda rinses my memory with bleach water.....

So feel free to nudge them or re-gather information or sit back and observe or whatever you want. *grin*

[joegoda.livejournal.com]

Oh Sis, I knew. And I *KNOW* you're working on them. But kids can be so impatient sometimes. Bags is an Autumn, so any sort of earth color... a dark green looks good on him. He's just a bit over six foot tall and is slender.

Griz, well... she's a lot like me. She's about an inch taller, though, I think. She's a lovely blue sort of person, don't you think?

So don't you worry your pretty fuzzy head. Bags doesn't exactly need a cloak. It would just get in the way of his sword. He does want to fit in with the rest of us cloak wearers, you know? Besides, I think he'd use it pretty much wherever his travels took him, and he travels alot!

Griz is like Bags. Not really needing one, because she's wonderful just as she is, but a Capi Cloak it a WIN for any lady who feels she needs one.

There isn't any hurry, honey, really.

[capi.livejournal.com]

I think i remember, now that you've joggled my memory glands, Sherry does NOT want hers lined.... and we want flowy for her, and maybe a nice sweet hood that may never get used, but would be pretty. *grin* And Tim... Tim's i envision being several greens with maybe some browns mixed in, maybe some other earthy stuff... camo, of course, being the end result, without actually being modern at all. And his MUST have a hood, because you have to camo your head, too, sometimes. I have no idea if he would want lining or not, and he strikes me as far too practical to want a flowy one, but i could be way off the mark on that. *heh*

I will ultimately need some specific measurements on everrabody.... but i will ask when you all decide it's time for a cloak party. *L*

[joegoda.livejournal.com]

My hair is 3 inches long right now. That's about as specific as I get, cuz I'm growing and shrinking.

Loves ya, Sis!

[shackrlu.livejournal.com]

We will discuss cloaks when the time comes. I'm in no hurry at all!! I want no extra pressures or burdens on my Capi..she's had a hard winter and early spring! Considering the way I've been feeling for the past three months, I have a much clearer understanding of what you go through. And it's not fun..not at all. {{{HUGS}}} When Capi thinks she feels good and that cloak making will bring her joy, let me know and we'll chat colors. The only thing we had discussed was possible jewel tones. I have purple skirt, but I just put a bid on ebay last night for a teal dress. (there's a link in a comment of my last post if ya wanna see) I will probably try my hand at making an Irish Overdress to wear over it, but it has some options there...but like I said.. when you are ready we can discuss more.

[capi.livejournal.com]

*nod* But.... what i'd REALLY like is to have a hard copy LETTER here in my hot little hand. That way, when i'm well and the bug bites, i'm armed and ready, and there will be no delay, regardless of the hour. hahahahaha!! I promise not to lose it, too!

If we put together one letter with your info, Tim's, and..... uh.... who else axed me?? Charity? If we got all the measures, pref's, EVERYTHING on one paper, it'd be SUCH a win! Y'know? With big spaces in between you all so i can make notes for additional thoughts. *heh*

Yes??

[apocalypticbob.livejournal.com]

Me!!! ME!!! I'm third in line!!! Oooh! Oooh! ME!!!

*waves hands like she's drowning*

Though I do have Chester's holocaust cloak, so I'm not desperate either.

I think, next time I get to see my friends, that I could arrange to get you a list of measurments (tell me what measurements you need) and colors and preferences and all of that on one sheet of paper and mail it to you. I could do that!

[capi.livejournal.com]

*L* DON'T PANIC!!!! *grin*

Yeah, we'll get it all together!! We can totally DO THIS THANG! *grin*

If we HAD to, we really could have a Cloak party, where you were all together, y'know, and we did this on the phone.... or online.... and i just took down all the info at once..... *hee* ANY excuse for a party, eh?

[joegoda.livejournal.com]

Ain't she cute, sis? She is such the perfect neice.

[shackrlu.livejournal.com]

What are your thoughts and/or experiences with Moleskin? I saw some pretty cloaks online that were made of moleskin and wondered about it.For all I know its hard to work with or something. Of course I didn't check on pricing or anything like that, but there was a suede look color and a forest green that made me think of Bags. We could be looking for fabric to buy and ship to you if you tell us what the best kind for cloaks is!! And what I get for seeing these things right before bed is they trickled into my dreams and I dreamed I had a moleskin cloak with a peachskin lining...I think it was teal and grey. I was telling everyone it was a moleypeachskin cloak...it was funny in the dream!!! LOL

[capi.livejournal.com]

Moleskin is great for flowy... and great for a variety of colors these days, as well, and not at all hard to work with! I've used it for decades. LOVE it. It is a synthetic, however, so it will be VERY warm. If you want it for heat, WIN! If, however, you want minimal heating (which i recall was your particular preferance), you may not want that. OTOH, if it's a SINGLE LAYER of only moleskin... that might be ok. But... would you be content with that?

If you ever have time, run down to the local fabric store and unwind a hefty length of it and sling it over your shoulder. You will see AT ONCE how warm it is. You may well know better from there if you want that or not. And maybe take Bags along so he can see if he wants that.... It's not what i was thinking for him, but i'm totally flexible. HIS should be lined and reversable, tho, i'm thinkin'.....

[shackrlu.livejournal.com]

I think you are right for Bags, lined and reversable. And really I would trust your judgement on what was a Bags cloak over some really silly dream I had!! Capi knows cloaks and she knew Pockets cloak instinctively.. I think you will know Bags and Griz as well!! But I will see if I can't wrangle a trip with Bags to the fabric store and look at the Moleskins just in case.. what type fabric did you have in mind and I'll give it a feel test while I'm at it! {{HUGS Capi}}

[capi.livejournal.com]

Oh, i don't know.... *touch* them, dear one! Wave them around! *grin* I don't know how Bags takes heat.... Are most of your faires in heat??

YOU... hrm... most flowy fabrics are synthetic..... except perhaps silk...... This may indeed call for some conversation with Susi! My brain is tired. *L* Then again, it's late. We will chew on this more before it's settled.

But like i said, go touch the fabrics. Just remember that the synthetics won't breathe.....

[capi.livejournal.com]

The best.... there is no best. This is about what works for each person's preferances and needs and what not, eh? What i did for Chet, if you look, was two UTTERLY different things, and that Pockets cloak, i married two materials that you usually would never put together EVER. *L* But hey, it's POCKETS!!

*grin*

For mass production, we pick out certain fabrics, and we stay with 'em. For YOU? Not a bit of it. We pick out *exactly* what works for each of you. *grin* Wouldn't hurt to consult Susi a little here and there, either, just running the ideas past her on the fly.

[shackrlu.livejournal.com]

This made me smile... again, still, big one wif teef. The verbal telling last night made me laugh and smile lots, but this written one tickles my fancy and makes me giggle.

[joegoda.livejournal.com]

That's because you know it's all true.

[capi.livejournal.com]

That is EXACTLY it.