Jahrra's Journal

Contest Alert!

2010-07-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I'm going to step away from Jahrra's Journal a moment to let you know about a new contest. I'm seeking artists to illustrate a character or characters, or a scene from either The Finding or The Beginning. All rules and info can be found on my site: http://oescienne.com/contests. Please spread the word! Grand prize is a signed copy of BOTH The Finding and The Beginning. Good luck and I hope to receive a lot of entries!

Keeping Busy . . .

2010-07-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

So, once again I've neglected this blog. Let me catch you up on what's been going on that has kept me so distracted . . . The most demanding distraction has been the completion and publication of the second book in the Oescienne series, 'The Legend of Oescienne - Beginning'. It is now available from amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle format, and the prologue can be viewed at www.oescienne.com. I've also recently updated my other blog, Hello Kruel, Kruel World! where I'll be posting my 'Drive-Thru Interview' of other authors. If you are interested in how a writer thinks, or where they come up with their ideas, be sure to check it out. I've kept it short and simple; only seven questions. Well, that is all for now. I'll try and get another entry from Jahrra's Journal up as soon as I grab a few minutes. Happy reading! -J.E. Johnson

Ellysian's Cache

2010-03-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Journal - It has been so long since I've written to you and the spring is nearly here! Now, what was it I was telling you before? Oh yes! Ellysian's hiding place! Gieaun, Scede and I were all crowded below the cleft in the rock, trying to decide what Ellysian might have stowed away in there. "It can't be too big." Gieaun whispered (though I don't know why she did; we were the only ones left in the schoolyard!) "Let me try something . . ." Scede said, reaching up and barely grasping the small chunk of rock to the left of the gap. "Don't break it off Scede! Ellyisan will know we were here!" I told him. "I won't!" he hissed, "It's loose, look!" The piece of rock came free and behind it was a good-sized hollow. I gave Gieaun and Scede a knowing look, then stepped up on the closest bolder and reached into the hole. "Jahrra! There could be spiders!" Gieaun insisted. I felt around and my hand brushed something that felt like a box. I grabbed it and pulled it out. "That's it, it has to be!" Scede said with wide eyes. We all sat down on the big rock as I carefully pried the box open. Inside was a great combination of treasures: polished rocks and crystals, small trinkets, bits of paper with drawings and writing on them, a mother-of-pearl comb, some earings, a few pencils, several small things that looked suspiciously like they'd come from Mr. Cohrbin's treasure chest, and lastly, a small ring that Gieaun had lost over a month ago. "Hey!" she said, "That's mine!" she grabbed the wring and put it on her finger. I closed the box and stood up. "You're not putting it back, are you?" Scede asked, his voice betraying a trace of anger. "We have to, for now." I told him, "Or Ellysian will know we found it. Giean," I added, "maybe you should keep your ring at home from now on." Gieaun nodded and covered her hand. Scede still looked angry, so I told him, "We'll get this all back eventually, but right now we have to think about how to go about doing it." He sighed and nodded. "C'mon then," he said, "we'd better get out front, Dharedth is probably waiting for us." I climbed back onto the bolder and pushed the box back into the hollow, and then Scede shoved the rock into place. We would find a way to return all of the things Ellysian had stolen, just not today.

It's been far too long . . . .

2010-03-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

Greetings readers and writers alike, I've spent far too much time away from this blog, and it is about time I return! The past several months have been spent adding the finishing touches to The Legend of Oescienne - The Beginning, the second book in the Oescienne series. As I await for the suggested changes and edits to come in, I shall undertake the challenge of writing the third book as well as making more additions to 'Jahrra's Journal'. Until then, happy reading! -J.E. Johnson p.s. A preview of The Beginning can be viewed on the website. Just scroll down until you see the cover for the second book: http://oescienne.com/books

Discovery At Last!

2009-12-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Journal, Do I have some news for you! Gieaun, Scede and I finally found Ellysian's hiding place! I can't believe it, but I'll have to write it all down so I'll always remember. A few weeks ago, just before the start of Solsticetide break, Master Hroombra said he'd be picking us up after school and that we'd have to wait a little longer than usual before he got there. Scede mentioned that it'd be a good time for us to try and discover Ellysian's secret hiding place since she and her brother would leave before us. Gieaun was a little nervous, but I could tell she thought the same thing. As soon as the twins left that afternoon, we ran towards the gap in the bushes that led to the trail up the small canyon. We ran the whole way, so we were out of breath when we got there. "So," Scede gasped, "what exactly are we looking for?" "A small catch in the rock, a little above our heads, somewhere on the rock wall." I pointed to where I thought it might be, recalling my dream from so long ago. "How do you know that?" Gieaun asked. I froze. I couldn't tell them about my dream, I never told anyone about my dreams. "Um," I thought hard about what to say, "I, I remember hearing Ellysian whispering something to her brother about a chunk of rock missing from somewhere," I lied. Gieaun eyed me suspiciously, but I just turned away. "When?" she asked. "It was when we were coming in from recess the other day, I think you and Scede were already inside." Gieaun looked like she was going to ask another question, but before she could, Scede shouted, "There! Look, it looks like a crack in the rock. Could that be it?" We were all suddenly distracted by Scede's discovery, so all further questions were left unasked, and unanswered. But I must stop there for now, Journal, I can hear Nida coming up the stairs to bring me down to dinner. She has already called for me twice, and if I don't go now I could be in big trouble. -Jahrra

Waiting for an Opening

2009-12-07T12:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Journal, It's raining again, and although I love the rain, it means staying in all day for class. Which means Gieaun, Scede and I won't have a chance to find Ellysian's hiding place, again. We've been trying for weeks, but something always gets in our way! Either the twins are guarding the trail entrance, or we follow the trail and never have enough time to do a proper search, or we get distracted by something else and forget to look altogether. Gieaun thinks we should give up, but Ellysian is always whispering to her friends and giggling, and I just know she's making fun of us. Ohhhh, I can't wait until I find out what's hidden up that tiny canyon! As soon as it stops raining, I'll have a chance. Until then, I must distract myself with other things. Mr. Cohrbin promises us a new riddle soon, so maybe that will keep my mind busy! -Jahrra

A Plan to Catch a Thief

2009-10-18T23:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, What a wonderful weekend! Gieaun and Scede came over and we helped Nida make apple pies. After lunch, she let us each have a slice and she told Gieaun and Scede they could take one home with them. We spent most of the day playing hide-and-go-seek in the orchard, but as soon as I remembered what I'd seen last weekend during the rain storm, I asked Gieaun and Scede if they wanted to go inside for awhile. Thank goodness they did; I didn't want to tell them why I was so nervous about playing near the edge of the Wreing Florenn. We went upstairs to my room and finished a puzzle, then we played with my Capebird feather. I let it drift down onto the completed puzzle and watched in awe as it blended in with the scene of fairies dancing on a frozen pond. After that, we took turns hiding it in my room. I had a hard time finding it until Scede gave me a few clues. Gieaun found it right away when it was my turn to do the hiding. "What else was in the box?" Scede asked after we grew bored of our game. I thought about it for a bit, but couldn't remember everything, "A glowing crystal, some glass marbles, not nearly as much as when Master Cohrbin first showed us." I sighed. We all knew that his original treasure box was still missing. "Did you notice that Ellysian was gone most of our lunch break the day you answered the riddles?" Scede asked quietly, as if he expected Nida or Pada to barge in on us at any moment. I shook my head and Gieaun shrugged. "Do you think she went to the end of the trail behind the schoolhouse again?" Gieaun asked. Scede nodded somberly, "I bet she has the box hidden there somewhere." he insisted. I blinked and swallowed. Suddenly the dream with the hooded stranger returned to me, but I couldn't tell them about that. I had never told anyone about my strange dreams with the man in the green cloak. "I think we should try looking again." I offered, "When she isn't expecting it." Scede agreed, and although Gieaun thought it a bad idea, as usual, she eventually conceded. This week, we are going to find out what that girl is really up to. -Jahrra

Early Rain

2009-10-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Today it rained, the first storm of the season. It's a bit early for rain, but I don't care; I don't go to school on stormy days, it's too far to travel. Instead I helped Pada collect apples during breaks in the weather and I helped Nida hang herbs in the kitchen. After lunch, I sat up on the counter and watched the rain drops run down the window glass. This is my favorite game on rainy days. The drops race each other down the face of the window, changing the colors of the dreary world outside. I imagined I saw fairies in the orchard, darting around and avoiding the blustery gusts of wind. I laughed when one got blown right in to another, causing quite an argument afterwards. But something soon frightened them away, something that appeared on the edge of the apple trees nearest the Wreing Florenn. I sat up immediately and squinted (oh, how I wish the rain drops didn't blur the view!). Whatever had frightened away my imaginary nymphs felt as real as the chill wind clawing at the back door. I shivered and felt the hairs stand up on my neck when the dark shape shifted and disappeared behind the distorted shape of a eucalyptus tree. I told myself it was all in my imagination: the trees of the Wreing Florenn were several yards away and it was certain I was seeing things. But the strange tingly feeling that prickled my skin refused to go away. I spent the rest of the day next to the fireplace with Nida and Pada close by. -Jahrra

The Capebird Feather

2009-10-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Master Cohrbin had become so accustomed to us not having an answer to his riddles that he had stopped asking us for answers weeks ago. That is why I had to raise my hand at the beginning of class yesterday. He called on me, looking slightly puzzled because he hadn't even started the lesson yet. I told him I thought I had the answer to his riddles (I was a little nervous) and he brightened up a little (I think he had lost hope in us). "Wonderful, let's here it then." he said cheerily. I swallowed hard and said as loudly as I could, "The four seasons. That is, the four sisters in your riddles are the four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter." I couldn't look up, and the class remained quiet and still. When I finally found the courage to lift my eyes, Master Cohrbin was grinning down at me and nodding, "Yes indeed," he said, "and like the true seasons, they visit us throughout the year. Very good Jahrra, you can come choose your prize." I gaped at him, but got up and slowly approached his desk where he had pulled out the box he had shown us once before. I blocked out the rest of the class (all the students had finally started to murmur and talk) and focussed only on the contents of the box. I peeked in and saw a variety of items: perfectly round orbs of colored glass, a glittery scale, a crystal that glowed red in the center, strange coins, a pouch of strong-smelling herbs, and of course, the vial containing the ponyfly cocoon. I passed that up (it had only caused me trouble in the past) and reached for the crystal. As my hand moved over it, however, I brushed something nearly invisible with my thumb. I paused and what looked like a feather slowly shimmered and appeared before my eyes. I couldn't believe it! It hadn't been there before, I swear it! But there it lay, a shimmery green and blue feather as long as my middle finger. As I admired it, it shimmered again and slowly took on the colors of the spice pouch and scale it now rested upon. I gasped and looked up at Master Cohrbin. He was smiling, "That, Jahrra, is a Capebird feather. The Capebird is a magical animal found in Felldreim and its feathers can take on the color of its surroundings. It is one of the few truly magical animals found outside of that mystical province and elves are said to sew the feathers into their cloaks and clothing. It would be a fine choice indeed, were you to choose it." That decided it. I gently picked the feather up, only the faintest outline showing to give away its presence, and placed it in my palm. It had turned its natural colors again, but after sitting in my palm for a while, it became nearly invisible once again, its colors matching my own. I took it back to my desk and placed it far in the back of my drawer. I made a note to bring it home after school today, for I did not want Eydeth or Ellysian to get there hands on my prize. -Jahrra

Riddles Solved!

2009-10-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, I finally figured out what the riddles mean! I know I haven't written in a while, but I've been so busy with school and helping Nida and Pada with the harvest that I've been too tired to write to you. But I couldn't ignore you any longer, for I've such exciting news! Last weekend I went to see Master Hroombra, as usual, and I sat in front of the great fireplace reading the four riddles over and over again. I got frustrated and slammed you shut. I gazed up at the wall in frustration and let my mind wander. I allowed the creatures and beings carved around the frame of the fireplace distract me. Mystical creatures and girls in dresses dancing around with garlands and streamers. There were four girls, I noticed, and each of them carried a different garland. I looked more closely and then it hit me like the mighty beat of dragon's wings. How did I not figure it out before! One girl had a wreath of holly, one of flowers. One carried wheat and corn, the other fruit and berries. The seasons! The four Sisters were the four seasons! And it had been in front of me all along! I must have made a noise, because Master Hroombra looked up from his reading in surprise. I told him what I thought the answer was, and he simply smiled in his slow, comforting way. For once in my life, I can't wait to go to school tomorrow . . . -Jahrra

Fall Is Here

2009-10-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! You must forgive me for not posting in a while; I have been busy. This past weekend was the Central Coast Book and Author Festival and the CC Writer's Conference as well. I especially enjoyed the Book Festival and met lots of people and even did a reading. Also, I've been reading The Legend of Oescienne to the sixth grade class at the school where I work and I've been getting some interesting feedback from them. I'll keep you posted on other upcoming events I plan to partake in, and I hope to get some more of Jahrra's Journal entries up soon. Until then, have a good week and happy reading! -J.E. Johnson

The Final Riddle!

2009-09-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, The progress with discovering exactly what Ellysian is hiding hasn't been going well. Every time Gieaun, Scede and I try to sneak onto the trail we either get blocked by the twins or their friends, or it is time to go back to class. We decided to give it up for now and to try again after the weekend. For now, I'll have to tell you about something else; Mr. Cohrbin gave us the last riddle today! At least, the last riddle that is somehow connected to the others. He said that next week he'll start giving us different ones. Master Hroombra promised to help me with them in the next few days, so I'm sure to discover what they mean! And can you believe it? No one's figured them out yet, not even the older students! I think Mr. Corhbin is very disappointed in us. Well, here's the riddle, I hope to have it figured out (and the rest of them) by next week: Of the four Sisters I'm the last to show, When the earth seems still and the growth is slow. I'm harsh and bitter and my bite will sting; You'll know I've left when the birds begin to sing. -Jahrra

You Can't Put a Price on Friendship

2009-09-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Today Eydeth was guarding the entrance to the trail at school, before we even arrived. He wasn't really guarding it (he was pretending to be building a fort nearby), but he was blocking it from us. When we got out of class for lunch today, Gieaun pointed out that Ellysian didn't come out of the classroom until we had already climbed into our tree. Scede narrowed his eyes and gave me a knowing look, "She's done something to get you in trouble again." he told me. We were the first to line up to go back to class after lunch, and I went straight to my desk as fast as I could. I looked around inside, moving my books and rolls of parchment aside. Then I saw it, a clear pink stone in the very back. I quickly pulled it out and then almost panicked because I didn't know what to do next. The other students were starting to come into the classroom, Mr. Cohrbin just behind them. Gieaun ran up to me and grabbed the stone. Before I could say anything to her, she walked up to Mr. Cohrbin and held out her hand, saying, "I found this on the floor when I came in." Mr. Cohrbin gave her a puzzled look and then he looked at me. I lowered my eyes. Why had Gieaun lied? I could have just told him I found it in my desk . . . but that would have made me look guilty once again. Mr. Cohrbin took the rock and put it in his pocket, thanking Gieaun for being so honest. Gieaun's cheeks were pink and Scede stood rigidly silent, more silent than usual. Gieaun gave me a quick glance and a weak smile. I grinned back. I never really knew how wonderful it could be to have friends until that moment. -Jahrra

Frustration

2009-09-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, I told Gieaun and Scede about my dream this morning on the way to school (but I didn't tell them about the cloaked stranger; I've never told anyone about him). We decided to follow the trail again and look more closely at the rock face. Sometimes the cart traffic going into Aldehren isn't so busy and Mr. Dharedth is able to get us to school early. We had hoped to get to the schoolhouse early today, but unfortunately there was a huge wagon with a broken axle in the middle of the main road through town and we were delayed. By the time we got to school, most of the students were already there and we had to wait until lunch to try and find Ellysian's hiding place. Unfortunately, just as we were coming out to lunch, both Ellysian and Eydeth went sneaking away into the bushes that led to the trail. We climbed up in our oak tree and kept an eye on the spot where they disappeared, but by the time they returned it was time to go back to class. We were going to try and sneak down the trail after school (since Mr. Dharedth doesn't pick us up right away), but when we headed that way, the little grassy hillside just below the trailhead was already occupied, by Ellysian and some of her friends of course. Before we could become the victims of another evil twin attack, Gieaun, Scede and I quickly went out to the front of the school building to wait for the mail cart. If I didn't know any better, I'd say Ellysian knew we were up to something. We'll just have to wait until she isn't paying attention. -Jahrra

Helpful Dreams

2009-09-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, I had another dream last night, a dream with the stranger who wears a hooded cloak. I haven't had a dream with him in it in a while, so it makes me think something is going to happen. Well, anyways, I was in the orchard, as usual, and it was foggy and I happened to look up and see him. I was frightened at first, but then I remembered he was the one who so often visited my dreams. He motioned with his hand to follow him, and although deep down I knew I shouldn't, my feet just started walking all on their own. How much time passed I don't know, but I remember being in the orchard and then I was suddenly somewhere else, facing a great sheet of granite and surrounded by bushes and oak trees. It took me a moment to figure out why the place looked so familiar, but finally I got it - it was the end of the trail behind the schoolhouse! I was startled to be so far away from home, but when I tried to turn and leave, the man in green held up a gloved hand, motioning for me to stop. I hesitated just long enough to watch him run his other hand down the face of the rock, as if trying to feel for something. His covered fingers caught on something, a cleft or notch in the otherwise smooth rock face. It was then that I woke with a start. I sat in bed for a while, letting the scene dance around in my head before it came to a stop and I could figure out what it meant. Finally, I knew. There was more to the giant, flat rock at the end of the trail than I had previously thought, and the man in the green cloak was trying to help me figure it out. I found it hard to sleep after that, for I decided that as soon as I got the opportunity, I was going to follow the trail again and study the rock more closely. It wouldn't be long before Ellysian's secret hiding place was revealed. -Jahrra

A Third Riddle

2009-09-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, I've been so busy with school work lately that I haven't had time to write to you! The end of last week passed rather quickly, and each day Gieaun, Scede and I watched Eydeth and Ellysian either from our great big boulder or the oak tree in the schoolyard. Ever since that day we followed Ellysian, she has stayed away from the trail leading to the dead end against the hillside. I'm wondering if she knew we had followed her after all, because she's been ignoring me (which she usually doesn't do). The most exciting thing to happen this week, however, was when Mr. Cohrbin gave us a third riddle. He seems a little disappointed that no one's figured them out yet, and he even told us he's been building up a new collection of prizes (but he didn't show them to us this time). Well, I've decided to get back to work on the riddles (another reason I haven't written to you; I've been trying to figure them out again). Here's the newest one: I'm the third Sister who drops by to stay, As the sun grows more eager to be done with the day. By now the earth is tired, you can tell by her face, Her cool colors have left, a blush remains in their place.

The Path to Nowhere

2009-09-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, You won't believe what happened at school today! Gieaun and Scede and I were sitting on our rock near the oak tree at lunch when we noticed Ellysian walking towards the edge of the schoolyard (I already told you how we were going to secretly watch her). We pretended to be looking for birds in the trees, but we were really keeping an eye on her. She looked around and quickly stepped through the bushes. I looked hard at Gieaun and Scede and quietly we slid down the boulder and crept over to where she disappeared. Gieaun and Scede stood guard while I peeked through the bushes. 'A trail!' I whispered to them. We argued for some time, but finally I convinced them to follow it, but to keep our ears alert for Ellysian. We'd only been up the trail a few moments (it trailed around large stones and scrub and looked to be leading up the small canyon the school was built beneath) when we heard someone approach. We quickly jumped within the bushes and crouched low. Scede had to clasp his hand over Gieaun's mouth and I had to cover my own; I was sure we'd both scream if we hadn't. Ellysian appeared before us on the trail, her head trained on the path before her. When she reached the spot just in front of us, she stopped and looked up. Her eyes narrowed and she wrinkled her nose. She looked around carefully and I was sure my heart would stop (Gieaun squeaked next to me and Scede drew in a fast breath through his nose). Ellysian turned her head in our direction and I closed my eyes. I knew we had been discovered! But before she could push back any of the branches to find us, something large stumbled in the brush behind her and made an awful cawing sound. Ellysian jumped and turned, growling in irritation as something flew away in a flurry of wing beats. She smoothed her skirts, huffed loudly, and continued back to the schoolyard. I can't believe it! We were saved by a bird! We waited a long time before coming out of the bushes. We climbed the rest of the trail (it took us five minutes and it was uphill all the way) but we were very disappointed when we came to the end. The trail had led us to a great slab of granite protruding from the hillside: no hidden doors, no caves or markings to tell us where to go next. It was a dead end, and I had been sure Ellysian had something hidden back there! We returned to the schoolyard just as Mr. Cohrbin was ringing the bell for us to return to class. I was annoyed that we hadn't found anything, but deep down, I know she has something hidden up there, and it's only a matter of time before we find out what . . . -Jahrra

Keeping an Eye on the Suspect

2009-09-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Things seem to be getting back to normal at school. Today we talked about occupations (that's what jobs are called), so Mr. Cohrbin asked us to tell him what our mothers and fathers did for a living, then we had a discussion. Some students said their parents owned shops in Kiniahn Kroi, others' parents were merchants. Of course, Eydeth and Ellysian talked for far too long about how their father was a wealthy business man, landowner AND the most well known breeder of semequins in all of Oescienne if not the entire Norwester Arm of the world. I wasn't sure what semequins were (I'd have to ask Master Hroombra later, if I remembered), but it must be something fancy. When it got to my turn I told the class how Nida and Pada owned an orchard. I said the hardest part was watering all the trees and keeping the bad bugs away, and the best part was having all those trees to climb. There were also all those apples to eat (until you got sick of them) and the wonderful flowers in the spring. I told them how we had several different kinds of apple trees and the blossoms could be snow white, or soft peach and pink, and that even one tree had blossoms that were a deep blue color. Those ones only bloomed every other year and it took two years for their dark purple apples to ripen. I told them all how Pada saved those to make the best cider and apple pies. Both Nida and Pada had won several first prize ribbons for their cider and apple pies at the fall festival in Nuun Esse. After we had all shared, it was lunch time. Gieaun and Scede and I climbed the oak tree to get away from everyone, and it was then that I remembered to ask them what they thought about Ellysian being the one who stole Mr. Cohrbin's treasure box. They agreed and we watched Ellysian from the branches to make sure she didn't try to sneak anything into the classroom and into my desk. She did wander off quietly to somewhere beyond the schoolyard and returned with her hands in her pockets. She looked around to make sure no one had been watching her before she stepped back through the bushes. Gieaun and Scede gave me a very knowing look and we decided from then on to pay extra close attention to what she was up to. -Jahrra

Aftermath

2009-09-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, I just couldn't bring myself to write to you during the weekend, I was just too tired and upset. When I got home from school a few days ago, I had to show Nida and Pada the letter Mr. Cohrbin sent home. I cried the entire time and Nida and Pada gave me a stern look. When I finally calmed down they asked me if it was true, what the letter said (it said I had stolen items from Mr. Cohrbin's desk and that I had failed to confess). I told them it wasn't true and that I thought someone else put the ponyfly cocoon in my desk. They thought about what I said for a long time, then Pada said he would get Master Hroombra to take us both into school at the beginning of the week to talk to Mr. Cohrbin. He and Nida then told me I should go to my room and make absolutely sure I was telling the truth. I was afraid to go back to school, but Pada and Master Hroombra were there with me. Gieaun and Scede asked me what was going on, and as Master Hroombra and Pada spoke with Mr. Cohrbin (with everyone watching and whispering in the schoolyard of course), I went and told them how Pada and Master Hroombra didn't believe I stole anything. After a long time, we went into the classroom and the day passed rather quietly. After class, Mr. Cohrbin asked to speak with me. I was terrified, but he only asked why I didn't tell him I hadn't stolen anything when I had been accused, and I told him it was for many reasons. First of all I was afraid, secondly I was shocked, and finally, how could I say I didn't do it when the evidence was in my desk? He told me he'd give me a second chance, and that cheered me up quite a bit. I can't help but wonder though, had Ellysian and her brother been behind it all along? Was this all over now? Should I tell Mr. Cohrbin I suspected them? I decided that I'd wait and talk it over with Gieaun and Scede tomorrow, before I make my decision. -Jahrra

Worst Day Ever

2009-09-04T20:22:00.001-07:00

Dear Journal, I don't even know if I can write this, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back to the schoolhouse in Aldehren ever again. When we sat down at our desks today, Mr. Cohrbin asked us to take out our clean parchment and some pencils for writing practice. We keep our parchment rolled up, so I just reached inside the shelf in my desk and pulled the tube of paper out. But as it came free, something small and colorful flew out of the tube and went chink-chinking across the wood floor of the classroom. Everyone, who had been chatting quietly, stopped dead and stared at the glittering object, bouncing and rolling toward the back of the room. I sat frozen in shock, for I had seen it before it shot away, and I knew exactly what it was: the ponyfly cocoon sealed in its glass tube. 'Miss Jahrra', that's all Mr. Cohrbin said, in the most horribly quiet and stern voice I'd ever heard from him, 'can you explain this?' He had walked over and picked up the vial. He held it between his thumb and pointer finger, its green and ruby colors gleaming like a star. I felt the tears gather and fall from my eyes. The lump in my throat kept me from speaking, that and the sheer confusion I felt. How had it ended up in my desk? I couldn't explain it, and since my words would not come, I became the suspect and Mr. Cohrbin made me stay in from our break, and our lunch time, and the half hour after school to write an apology letter and sentences claiming I was sorry and would never do it again. I cried silently, more horrified that I had disappointed him than ashamed that I had somehow committed some wrong. I DID NOT steal the ponyfly cocoon, but how could I tell him that? It was in my desk. When I was finally permitted to leave (with a letter to be signed by my parents and returned the first day back from the weekend), I found Gieaun and Scede waiting patiently for me. We walked to the front of the arched drive to wait for Mr. Dharedth to pick us up. I kept my head low, with Gieaun on one side and Scede on the other, their arms around my shoulders, telling me they knew I didn't do it. Just before Mr. Dharedth's mail cart came clattering up the cobblestones, I glanced up, and saw Eydeth and Ellysian quietly waiting for their ride. Eydeth smirked and Ellysian had a nasty gleam in her eye. It was right at that moment that I finally knew who had broken into Mr. Cohrbin's treasure box. -Jahrra

Suspicious Activity

2009-09-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Mr. Cohrbin seemed a little more cheerful today, but he still isn't quite back to his old self. He still doesn't trust us like he used to, and he still asks us every morning if anyone wants to come forward about the missing treasures. No one ever does. The two riddles are still unsolved (despite the fact that I got up after Nida and Pada went to sleep to try and figure them out), and no one else seems to have the heart to solve them. It was a normal day for the most part, but when Gieaun and Scede and I watched the rest of the class from our oak tree during lunch today, we saw that Ellysian and her brother were off alone in one corner of the yard. We tried to hear what they were saying, but it was too noisy. She opened her hand to show him something and his eyes got wide and his face drained of color. Ellysian quickly closed her fist and shoved her hand in her pocket. When they walked under our tree we remained as quiet as bats, but the look on their faces made me itch with dread. Ellysian was straight-faced, her eyes giving away something cruel, and her brother had the biggest, nastiest, smuggest grin on his own face. I know they are plotting something, but I have no idea what and I have no idea how to make myself ready for it. -Jahrra

Another Riddle

2009-09-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, I don't feel like writing a whole lot tonight. Mr. Cohrbin is still disappointed with us (I could tell because he didn't seem all that cheerful today and we still didn't get to play any games or act out any stories in class). The entire class seemed to notice, because no one got in trouble today and everyone was rather quiet (the older students didn't try and pass any notes or throw spit wads, and even Eydeth and Ellysian seemed down-hearted - usually they snicker and point at me). Even though Mr. Cohrbin still eyed us all suspiciously, he told us to get our classroom journals out at the end of the day to write down the next riddle. He gave us such a sharp look that everyone did exactly as they were told and scratched down the riddle below the last one. The words I had written the week before glared at me in accusation, demanding to know who the culprit was. I took a breath and wrote what he said, not once looking up: Of the four Sisters I'm second to show, When you dance near the sun I blossom and glow. The day lasts forever when I am in town, And I wear upon my shoulders a green-golden gown. Mr. Cohrbin stopped speaking abruptly and the next moment it was time to leave for home. He simply opened the classroom door and returned to his desk, sitting down heavily and getting to work with some papers and books. Usually he stays outside with us to answer any questions we might have about our lesson that day. I gathered my things with a frown. Would anyone want to solve the riddles now that there were no prizes? I set my jaw; I wanted to solve them, even if there was nothing to win but the satisfaction of conquering the enigmatic rhymes. I wanted to solve them to show Mr. Cohrbin that I didn't need the lost treasures to want to unravel the puzzle. I decided right then and there that I was going to work every night to crack the code. - Jahrra

A Thief Among Us

2009-09-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, When we got to school this morning, Mr. Cohrbin was waiting in the doorway of the schoolhouse with his arms crossed and a stern look on his face. He told us to come inside and take our seats. What happened next was awful. Mr. Cohrbin told us that when he arrived at the schoolhouse this morning, his desk had been gone through and that the lock on the box with the prizes for the riddle had been emptied. The room was quiet with shock and I know that my eyes were huge and my mouth was hanging open. Who would do such a thing? Mr. Cohrbin suspected one of us (though I think he was thinking of the older students) because we were the only ones who knew what was in that box. He gave us all a long time of silent thinking to confess, but no one came forward. I sat with my hands folded and my eyes down. Why would someone steal all the prizes? I wanted them just as badly as anyone else, but to steal them? It was during this quiet time that I heard whispering behind me. I stole a backward glance to catch Eydeth quickly leaning back in his seat, his face looking very angry. He'd been talking to an older boy next to him and the older boy gave me a nasty look as well. What was that all about? Like it was my fault someone broke into the classroom and took Mr. Cohrbin's treasures? The rest of the day went by very slowly, for Mr. Cohrbin wasn't in the mood to play any games or read us stories like he sometimes did. No, today was all quiet work and everyone seemed to be feeling guilty for some reason. I hope that whoever it was that stole the items from the box turns themself in soon. -Jahrra

Ellysian's Up To Something . . .

2009-08-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Today was like any other day at school, only everyone was anxious to see if anyone had figured out what Mr. Cohrbin's riddle meant. Okay, I was anxious to see if anyone had figured it out. Mr. Cohrbin waited all day and just before we left to go home, he asked if anyone had an answer to his riddle. He pulled out his little box and carefully unlocked it. We all leaned forward in our desks, hoping to get another look at the treasures within, only he didn't open the lid. We all slouched back when we realized we weren't going to get another preview. 'So? Does anyone have an answer for me?' he asked. Some of the older kids said they thought they knew (a teenage boy said he thought the answer was "mother", another said it had to be Ethöes). Mr. Cohrbin shook his head, but admitted that Ethöes was close. Ugh, I can't stand it! He closed the lid to the box and locked it, tucking it neatly back inside his desk. He told us that in two more days he'd give us another riddle. I hope this one is easier. So the day went by rather well, and no one bothered us during lunch. On our way out, however, Gieaun, Scede and I overheard Ellysian talking with her friends (she didn't know we were there). We heard her say "riddles" and "desk" and "box". I strained to hear more, but just then I stepped on a twig and she heard us. She gave us one overbearing glance and grabbed her friends' arms to move to another part of the yard, shooting awful glares at us over her shoulder as she walked away. I don't know what she was telling those girls, but I know that she is up to something, and I'm sure it is something bad. -Jahrra

Dragon's Wit

2009-08-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Master Hroombra came over today, but it was for a lesson and not for fun. Luckily, lessons with Master Hroombra are always fun. We went out into the orchard (he couldn't fit between the trees so he had to call out loud what he wanted me to look for) and collected different seeds. After I had found five different kinds, he told me to come back to him. I held out my hand and we both looked at what I'd found. One seed was smooth and glossy, another rough and bristly. Two had some sort of hard shell on them and the other one had long wisps of something that looked like white hairs growing from it. I thought it was a dandylion seed, that is until it started crawling around. I shrieked and dropped all five seeds, and the one I had thought a dandylion floated off with the wind. Master Hroombra was laughing. I turned and gave him an angry look. He stopped laughing but smiled, 'I was hoping you would pick up a whispin. They are very common this time of year.' Master Hroombra explained that a whispin was a small insect that looked a lot like a dandylion seed. 'That's how they move around, not with wings but with those little hairs. The wind picks them up and moves them from one area to the next.' After a while I started to wish I hadn't dropped it in the first place. We looked for more whispins and found a few hiding in the grass. They were rather plain looking, but I liked how they could fly without wings. We watched a few float away and then I tried to get Master Hroombra to help me some more with Master Cohrbin's riddle. 'I'll give you one hint,' he told me, 'she came to visit about five months ago and stayed for quite a while.' It looked like he was trying hard not to laugh. I frowned and thought really hard, five months is a long time to try and remember something! 'No one came to visit five months ago!' I insisted. Who could he be talking about? And why was it so funny? I didn't think it was funny at all. -Jahrra

A Day By The Creek

2009-08-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Today Gieaun and Scede came over and we all went to the Castle Guard Ruin. Master Hroombra met us and we all climbed on his back, even Pada and Nida. Master Hroombra told us we were going to have a picnic at Danu Creek today and I couldn't imagine anything better. It was still a long way until noon and it was already very hot out. The creek wasn't as full as it gets in the winter, but it had enough water in it to keep cool in. Nida kept telling us to be careful and not get our clothes all muddy, but we couldn't help it! I chased through the water after Gieaun and Scede in a game of tag, screeching each time I misjudged how deep the water was and went sinking in up to my waist. The oaks, sycamore and willows growing overhead made nice puddles of shade, and after lunch Gieaun and Scede and I traveled downstream to explore while Nida and Pada stayed behind with Master Hroombra. 'Be careful of the bluff's edge!' Nida warned, and we promised to be careful. It took us a while to reach the edge, and when we did, we all three took a seat on a large stone sitting near the lip of the water fall and just gazed out at the scene before us. I sighed and hugged my knees - it was so beautiful! The farmlands spread out below us like a patchwork quilt of green and brown and deep red, protected from the vast blue ocean by the barrier of sand dunes. The dunes themselves were nearly golden in the afternoon light, folding and rolling as if they were shaped by an careful sculptor and not the wind. The hills were the faded color of ripe wheat and the clumps of woodlands served as dots of dark green, adding just enough color to make one's gaze linger. After we were done with our break, we headed back up the creek so Nida and Pada and Master Hroombra wouldn't worry about us. By the time we got back it was time to go home, and we all climbed upon Master Hroombra's back. On our way out I asked him where the creek came from and he told us that it flowed from a swamp deep within the Wreing Florenn. With a wry dragon grin he added, 'A swamp said to harbor a very mysterious and terrifying witch. But that is a story for another day . . .' I chilled at the thought, and suddenly I remembered the ride home from school when I had thought I'd seen eyes watching me from the edge of that forest. Could it have been the witch? My skin crawled and I leaned closer into Nida. I didn't want to think about it at all, at least not right now. -Jahrra

Slow Day

2009-08-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Nothing much happened today at school, and I am grateful. The evil twins were both gone, something that made it much more enjoyable. No one figured out the riddle yet, something that cheered me as well (since I haven't figured it out either, though I might be getting close . . . Pada told me to look carefully at the numbers mentioned in the riddle, but I'm still not sure what he means). Tomorrow I get to go see Master Hroombra (I go every first day of the weekend). Maybe he can help me with the riddle! I also have something called 'practice work' as well, math and writing exercises I have to do at home. Ugh, don't we do enough of that at school? Well, I leave you for now Journal, it is already dark and it is still rather warm out. I think Pada, Nida and I will lay out in the yard and watch the stars drift by. -Jahrra

Treasure Trove

2009-08-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Mr. Cohrbin asked us today if anyone had figured out the riddle he gave us yesterday. Most of the students looked at him blankly, as if they didn't know what he was talking about. I just frowned. I had tried, but I still hadn't figured it out before bedtime. Ellysian shouted out (because she doesn't think she should have to raise her hand like the rest of us since her father owns half of the Raenyan Valley). She was complaining that the riddle was stupid and a waste of time. Mr. Cohrbin only smiled (I gave her a rude look, but she didn't see it because she was too busy sneering at Mr. Cohrbin) and pulled out a dusty old wooden box from a drawer in his desk. 'So you wouldn't be interested in seeing what the prizes are then?' Everyone in the class sat up straight right then, no longer looking bored. Gieaun took her gaze from the window, Scede stopped doodling on some paper he had, even nasty Eydeth and Ellysian lowered their eyes to everyone else's level. 'These are just some of the things I've collected over the years that you might be able to choose from should you feel inclined to answer my riddles . . .' he gave a quirky grin and opened the box. My jaw dropped. He held up the first item, 'The cocoon of a ponyfly . . .' It looked like a gem: brilliant green and gold and ruby. It was kept in a glass vial filled with a clear liquid. 'It sits in water and is currently dormant, but when placed in the right environment it just might emerge as an adult ponyfly.' Gieaun's eyes grew round as saucers and I knew she would be paying closer attention to Mr. Cohrbin's riddles from now on. To have your own ponyfly, a palm-sized insect with clear fairy-like wings that resembled a tiny horse. I wasn't able to get a good look at what else was in the box, for Mr. Cohrbin replaced the ponyfly cocoon and put the box away. 'I'll show you more later. But right now we have to start our writing lesson.' Everyone groaned, even me. I like writing, but I wanted to see what else was in that box . . . . -Jahrra

Riddles!

2009-08-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Oh what a wondrous day at school! Mr. Cohrbin told us that he will be giving us a new riddle each week to solve, and the first one to solve it gets a prize! Some of the much older students groaned, but he gave them a sharp look and told them some of the prizes would even be something they would want. I didn't groan. In fact, I sat straight up and paid full attention (I was daydreaming a little - but only a little! I couldn't help myself, it was during our math lesson and I'm not that good at math). He said that even the first year students could try if we wanted, but he said some of them would be really hard. I didn't care, Master Hroombra gives me riddles all the time and I love to try and solve them, even when he helps me out (which is most of the time). Well, here is the riddle Mr. Cohrbin gave us: I am the first Sister to visit your land, The first before three others, we work hand in hand. I soften the earth and call forth the sun, I sing a great song of new life begun. Ugh, I have no idea what it means! I'll have to try and figure it out this weekend. I hope no one else gets it before I do . . . -Jahrra

Strange Sight on the Way Home

2009-08-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, School today wasn't as bad as usual because Eydeth and Ellysian showed up late and got in trouble. They spent a long time trying to argue with Mr. Cohrbin about it, but he wouldn't listen to them. They tried to say it was their driver's fault. But that wasn't the most interesting thing that happened today. On the way home, while we were riding in the mail cart, I felt the strangest feeling, like someone was watching me. I turned to look in the direction the strange feeling was coming from and found out it was coming from the edge of Wreing Florenn! And I know you won't beleive me but I thought I saw eyes watching me, just eyes floating in space, but as soon as I blinked they were gone. I was so frightened I huddled closer to Gieaun and Scede and Mr. Dharedth and refused to look towards that forest the rest of the ride home. I won't tell Nida and Pada about it, they'll think I'm making it up, so I'll only tell you. I'm never going near the Wreing Florenn. Never ever. -Jahrra

Above the Crowd

2009-08-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, I had to go back to school this morning, but I tried to be brave for Nida's sake. When we got to the schoolhouse, Gieaun and Scede and I hid behind the great big rock in front of the great big oak tree. We thought we were safe until I heard someone say 'I wonder where the Nesnan girl and her friends are . . .' It was that girl Ellysian, and although her voice sounded nice on the outside, I could tell it wasn't nice on the inside. You know, like wild stainberries? They look so good to eat but if you break them open they stain your clothes and make an awful smell. Like that. Well, anyways, before she could find us Mr. Cohrbin called us to class. As we were heading in, I noticed that the oak tree near the rock had notches in it where branches had once started to grow and then changed their minds. When we were let out for lunch, I ran straight to the tree, Gieaun and Scede too, and started to climb. The notches were like perfect steps! We ate our lunches way above everyone else, and even though I knew Ellysian and her brother Eydeth were secretly looking for us (they were snooping around in places they shouldn't have been), they never found us. Oh hurray! I love the oak tree in our schoolyard! -Jahrra

Anticipating Tomorrow

2009-08-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Tomorrow I go back to school, and I am dreading it. I'm not dreading seeing Gieaun and Scede, they are my best friends, but I am dreading seeing everyone else. Well, maybe not Mr. Cohrbin. Even though he made me sit on the log all during lunch time, he seems pretty nice. I'll just have to try and enjoy the day. Pada did say that after we pick some more apples he'd take me over to see Master Hroombra. Oh, I can't wait until we finish with the apples! We only have three more trees to go and then I'll be going to the Castle Guard Ruin! Maybe Master Hroombra will tell me more about the old castle and rulers of Oescienne, he always promises. Or maybe he'll tell me more about Raejaaxorix. The last time he told me how Raejaaxorix burned down a whole fortress that had been the home to an evil man who was being mean to the people living in his town. The dragon Raejaaxorix had told the people to leave the town and only when they had all left did he come in and set the place afire. I asked Master Hroombra what it had looked like, red flames taking over an entire village! But Master Hroombra told me that Raejaaxorix's fire wasn't red like his own, but a blue-green color. How strange, to see your town being overtaken by blue-green flames! Oh, I must go, for I hear Pada calling me downstairs to finish with the early apple harvest. -Jahrra

The-Legend-of-Oescienne---The-Finding

2009-08-23T11:02:00.001-07:00

Glow Worms

2009-08-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, I got to sleep in this morning because it is the first day of the weekend. Pada got me up after sunrise and said we needed to start picking some of the early apples before they fell to the ground. I groaned, but got up. I'm just happy I don't have to go to school today! The chickens clucked as we walked by and the goats fussed, but Nida had already fed them before I got up. We came to the orchard, the very tops of the apple trees fading into the low fog, and Pada climbed the ladder up the first tree. 'We have to get the apples picked before they fall and the glow worms get them.' he told me. 'Glow worms?' I asked. And I'll tell you the truth, I was feeling rather lazy and bored until he mentioned those glow worms. 'Yes, the glow worms.' he repeated from the tree's branches. 'We'll look for some when we're done.' So I helped him pick apples upon apples and put them in the baskets he had set out the day before. When we were done, Pada walked me over to a pile of rotting apples on the edge of the orchard. 'Look, glow worms.' he said, pointing and smiling. I squinted, and after a moment I saw them. Oh! They were so wonderful! Caterpillars the size of my fingers, glowing in all different colors: blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink. They looked like the inside of a candle when the wick is burning low, and they were covered in tiny hairs that shone even brighter at their tips. 'They do love apples,' Pada remarked, standing casually with his arms crossed, 'but I prefer it when they eat the old ones and not the new.' I stayed out in the orchard for quite some time, watching the glow worms munch away at the bruised fruit. I couldn't wait to tell Gieaun and Scede all about them when we went back to school at the start of the week. -Jahrra

In Trouble

2009-08-21T21:48:00.001-07:00

Dear Journal, I came home from school today with my face all puffy and my eyes all red. Nida asked what had happened and I lied - 'I hit my knee against the wheel of the mail cart while getting down.' I told her. She gave me one of her looks, you know the ones where she places her hands on her hips and arches one eyebrow? But she didn't ask anymore questions. And I only lied because I was too ashamed to tell the truth. I got in trouble today. I had to sit on the fallen log on the edge of the schoolyard. The only reason I can bring myself to write this down instead of curling up in my bed and slowly dying of shame is that Ellysian, the evil girl I've told you about before, got in trouble too. She and her nasty brother had started it, by throwing dirt clods at Gieaun, Scede and I. Well, she's been bugging us ever since school started, and I'd had it. I picked up a dirt clod and threw it right back at her. Too bad I missed, but Mr. Cohrbin saw me. I'm sure my face turned the color of ripe autumn apples! I lowered my head in embarrasment and listened to Ellysian wail in anger and false injury. Gieaun and Scede told Mr. Cohrbin what had happened, but since we had both been throwing things at one another, we were both in trouble. We had to sit on the fallen log all through lunch. I sat quietly, feeling very much ashamed of myself, but Ellysian only huffed and puffed and sent me nasty glances. I was glad when Mr. Cohrbin finally rang the bell for us to return to class. The good thing was, however, Ellysian and her brother didn't bother me once the rest of the day. Maybe I should get in trouble more often . . . -Jahrra

Hiding Spot

2009-08-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, I tried to pretend to be sick, I even tried getting sick, but it was no use. Nida practically dragged me out to the end of the path leading to the main road this morning and lifted me into the mail cart. I think I frightened Gieaun and Scede, but when I told them I didn't want to go to school, they understood. Mr. Dharedth the mailman told us jokes the entire way (we didn't stop at Master Hroombra's today and I didn't even see him when we passed by the Castle Guard Ruin). Once we got to the schoolhouse though, I felt like my bones were melting. I could barely walk and I felt all shaky. But we got there before the mean boys and girls did, and we went and hid behind a big huge rock sitting in front of a giant oak tree. No one even noticed us until the teacher called us into class, and by then it was too late for the horrible girl and boy to do anything mean. I felt better when they ignored me and Gieaun and Scede at lunch time, and when Mr. Cohrbin dismissed us, Mr. Dharedth was already there with his mail cart. I was so relieved I almost fell out when we started moving. I'm not sure, but maybe school won't be so bad after all. -Jahrra

I Hate School!

2009-08-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Today was my first day of school and it was horrible! I never want to go back, but Nida and Pada say that I must. Oh, why can't I just learn things from Master Hroombra? He knows everything there is to know. Gieaun and Scede could even come (they are the only two children in the whole class that are nice to me, though Gieaun doesn't really like snakes and spiders too much, and Scede doesn't ever talk). Master Hroombra just left me there, and this one girl and her brother, oh, I'm going to start crying again just thinking about it! They were so horribly mean and they made fun of Master Hroombra! How I wish he'd breathed fire on them . . . Maybe I'll wake up sick tomorrow and I won't have to go back! I wonder if there are any sicknesses that last for days and days and days . . . -Jahrra

It's Been a While . . . .

2009-08-18T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hello readers, It's been quite some time since I posted, I know, but this past month has been a sort of "dash to the finish" as the school year starts up again. Therefore, this new post will continue with Jahrra's Journal, but the long awaited first day of school is soon approaching . . . Dear Journal, I'm so glad I've found you! I've been looking for you for ages! Nida said you'd be under my bed, but I didn't believe her; that's where the monsters and creepy things live and I was sure if you had gone under there you would have been eaten. I'm glad you haven't been. Oh, so much has happened since I last wrote! Master Hroombra took me to town and we saw all kinds of things: people dressed up, fancy houses where you could get food or clothes or something Master Hroombra called "trinkets". Then we went to the ocean shore and caught hermit crabs and counted starfish. It was amazing! I wish Master Hroombra and I could go on more adventures, but he says tomorrow I start school. I'm excited and afraid. I've never been to school before, but Nida and Pada say I will meet other children and make friends. That will be good I suppose. I had better get to bed, I must get up early tomorrow if I'm to have a bright and productive day (that is what Pada says). -Jahrra

Something's Up

2009-07-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary, Yesterday I was too tired to write to you. I stayed up so late with Master Hroombra! The meteor shower was the best thing in the world though, but by the time I woke up the next morning it was almost lunch time! Pada and Nida came and picked me up and we went through Nuun Esse on the way home. I waved to the butcher as usual and a woman selling flowers threw one to me. It was pale yellow with lots of petals and left golden dust on my nose. But that was yesterday. I went back to Master Hroombra's today to work on my writing. He says my writing is one of my best attributes (whatever an attribute is)- but it must be something good because he was smiling. He left me to practice my G's (one of my favorite letters because the big one and small one are different shapes and it can make two different sounds, "guh" and "juh") and went to his big desk in the small room in the front of the Castle Guard Ruin to read his letters. Master Hroombra is always getting letters. From who I cannot tell. When I looked up from my small g's he didn't look so happy anymore. He no longer smiled but frowned, all his wrinkles curving downwards. His eyes moved quickly over the words on the paper and he took a deep breath. Although he didn't say anything, I knew something was wrong. You know how sometimes you aren't told about bad news, or grown-ups hide it from you? Well, do you know how sometimes you can just feel that something has gone wrong? That is how I felt, sitting by the great, empty fireplace practicing my G's. I hope that whatever it is it will get fixed soon. I don't like to see Master Hroombra sad. -Jahrra

A Lesson by Starlight

2009-07-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, It is hard to stay awake, I'm so tired! But Master Hroombra is teaching me about the stars tonight. Oh, I'm so excited! Right now I'm sitting by the fire in the Castle Guard Ruin (and can you believe it, Nida and Pada are letting me stay here for the night!), but soon we'll go outside to watch a meteor shower. He says that it's like watching magic sparks streak through the air, and that sometimes the sparks are blue and red and yellow. I want to go outside right now, but Master Hroombra says we must wait. I hate waiting! The sky is all dark, like the ink in my pen clouding up water, and the crickets are chirping in the wood, it should be time to go! But no, we must wait. Adults always want to wait. Until then I'll write in my journal and watch the stars come out through the doorway. There's one right now. Master Hroombra says it is called Rhian and it is part of a constellation called Echainn and Echnia. They are the Horses he says, and that the other star I see, just to the left and above Rhian, is Epohra. He was about to tell me the story of Echainn and Echnia but a meteor just streaked across the sky. Oh! It is fiery yellow, just like he said. I'll have to ask him about the stars later, because he's grabbing the old quilt and we're going to watch the fire fall from the sky! - Jahrra

Master Hroombra's Book

2009-07-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, I asked Master Hroombra today what exactly a boarlaque is. I had an idea from what Pada had told me, but I wasn't sure. Master Hroombra just smiled and pulled out a large, old book, trailing dust through the air like a comet. I think it is funny when dragon's smile, especially Master Hroombra with all his teeth sticking out. The yellowed pages crackled and stuck as I turned them, but I almost fell over when I noticed what was on them. Not words like all the other books he gives me, but pictures. Loads and loads of pictures of animals and maps and flowers, all colored in! I asked him where he got it and he told me the elves of Felldreim created it. It was the most wonderful book I've ever seen! Finally, I got to a fearsome looking beast and he told me to stop. The boarlaque, he told me. It made me shiver. It was bigger than a bear and covered in brown and gray fur that was all tangled. It had stripes on its face and giant teeth and claws. I've decided two things: one,this book of creatures is my absolute favorite book ever, and two, I'm never going near the Wreing Florenn again, Pada or no Pada. -Jahrra

The Wreing Florenn

2009-07-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, It’s been two whole days since I’ve written in my journal! I’ve just been so busy helping Pada with the apple orchard that I’ve forgotten to write everything down before bed at night. Well, today we took a day off and walked along the edge of the Wreing Florenn looking for wild herbs and berries. Pada says that terrifying beasts live in that dark forest and that we have to make sure to be finished with our walk before dark. I asked him what lives in there and he said that he thought he saw a boarlaque once. A boarlaque! I grabbed his hand and said we had to leave right away, but he only patted my head and told me that boarlaques stay away from elvin folk and that the other scary things living in the forest only come out at night. I was so scared I hung on Pada the whole time, even though we never actually went into the forest! Tomorrow I get to go back to Master Hroombra’s, so I’d better get to sleep or Mr. Dharedth just might leave without me tomorrow morning. -Jahrra

The-Legend-of-Oescienne---The-Finding

2009-07-12T15:58:00.001-07:00

Learning with Others

2009-07-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a long and tiring week, so I'm looking forward to having some sleep-in time. Hopefully I'll get some more writing done as well. One can only hope! Until then, here's what's on Jahrra's mind: Dear Journal, Master Hroombra told me today that at the end of summer I’ll be learning my reading, writing and mathematics with other children. I was so excited that I spent half of my lesson asking him questions. How many children will there be? Will any of them be Resai? What will they look like? Will they be nice? Master Hroombra just laughed and told me to save my questions for later. But I couldn’t help it! I spent the rest of my lesson daydreaming about what these other children would be like. I hoped that by the end of summer, I would be ready to have my very own friends. - Jahrra

What I discovered today . . .

2009-07-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Journal, Today I learned mathematics with Master Hroombra. I hate mathematics! I thought it was going to be another boring lesson, but when Master Hroombra left me to add the numbers on my own I noticed a pile of paper in the great big fireplace. I crawled closer and peeked in, hoping to see what the notes said, but the markings on the paper were so strange! I picked up the one closest to me and tried to read it, but whoever wrote it used marks not at all like the ones Master Hroombra has taught me to read. I know I should have put it back, but I kept it, tucking it away to put into my journal later. Someday I’m going to figure out what it says, but for now, I’ll just look at the marks. They are pretty in an odd way. - Jahrra

You can find clues to decode this message at http://www.oescienne.com/

The Truth of the Tanaan

2009-07-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

Hello bloggers, I'm going to have to make this short tonight. Hope everything is going well in your part of the world! Dear Journal, I found out the most amazing thing today! You know how I learned about dragons yesterday and how I was going to tell you about the Tanaan? Well, you won’t believe this, but the Tanaan dragons used to be human! Master Hroombra told me all about them today, how they were cursed long ago by the Crimson King and that is the reason why humans aren’t in Ethöes any more. I wanted him to tell me more: why were they cursed? Did he know any Tanaan dragons? But he told me I was too young to know such things. He always tells me that! Oh! I’ve got to go, I heard Pada come in and I hear Nida coming up the stairs to get me for dinner. - Jahrra

What a lovely evening . . .

2009-07-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hello all, hope your Monday went well. It was pretty hot here on the Central Coast, well, hot for the Central Coast, but right now it's shaping up to be a pretty nice evening. I'm sitting in the garden, watching my Scrub Jay (yes, he's mine in that I feed him and he comes when I call him - honestly, he does) take the peanuts I offer (not from my hand yet, but from the feeder five feet away), one by one, to shove into the ground in some location known only to him (unless I watch him of course). Oh! The Pacific Treefrogs are starting up. I love those little guys. One of the perks of having "water features" in the garden. I can hear hummingbirds in the tree too, getting one last sip of nectar before bed. The mosquitoes aren't bad; I have mosquito fish to take care of them and a citronella candle. Hmmm, just heard a towhee, and there is a female hummingbird visiting my pink and white gladiolas and my saffron and orange nasturtiums - now that is a sight worth pausing for . . . aah, but I think it's time for another journal entry from Jahrra. So, good night all and happy blogging. Dear Journal, I learned all about dragons today! I had no idea there were so many different kinds. But I'll tell you about my favorite, the Korli. Master Hroombra is a Korli dragon. I used to think he had so many wrinkles because he was old, but he says it is a, was the word? characteristic? of his race. That means it is something all Korli dragons share, but he did say he had more wrinkles than most. Korli dragons come in all the colors of blue and gray, from nearly black to nearly white. Master Hroombra is a medium-dark gray blue. Some of their bottom teeth stick out of their mouths, making them look frightening. But Master Hroombra has never frightened me! Korli dragons were in charge of watching over the humans. Master Hroombra says that long ago humans lived in Ethöes. I asked him what they were like, and he said they were very similar to Nesnan elves, only they didn't live nearly as long and they weren't as strong or magical like the elves were. I thought it would be an awful thing to be human, but he only said that sometimes being strong and living for a long time wasn't always such a good thing. I still think it wouldn't be such a good thing to be human, but he just smiled like he always does. It is late and Nida will be wondering about the candlelight coming from my room. I'll tell you more tomorrow, dear Journal, and I'll tell you about my second favorite dragon, the Tanaan! -Jahrra Remember, you can learn more about The Legend of Oescienne - The Finding at http://www.oescienne.com/ or you can purchase and find a preview of my book at lulu.com

Greetings from Oescienne!

2009-07-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! This is my very first blog. Shocking, isn't it? I guess I'll start with the title of my blog, Jahrra's Journal. Who is Jahrra? you might ask. A very good question. Jahrra is the name of the main protagonist in my book, The Legend of Oescienne - The Finding. With this blog I hope to give you an insight into Jahrra's world from her point of view. Of course, there are other things I'd like to discuss. Are there any other fantasy writers or fans out there? Sure there are! Which do you find more appealing, dragons or elves? Do you have a favorite series or author, or do you find it hard to pick just one? Have you written a book? Please drop me a line some time. For now, I'll leave you with Jahrra's thoughts. Cheers! Dear Journal, I had the dream again last night, the same one I've always had with the stranger in the green cloak. He was watching me this time, I know it. I was in the apple orchard looking for caterpillars (the fuzzy black and yellow ones with blue spikes) and I noticed the light changing on the edge of the Wreing Florenn. I thought about running, but I wanted to know who he was. Why does he come to my dreams? Why can't I see his face? Who is he? But by the time I turned back around, he was gone, and I was awake. I can smell breakfast now and I can hear Nida humming her morning song. Oh! I must stop writing because I go to Master Hroombra's today! Until later then diary, perhaps I'll have more to say tomorrow. - Jahrra Discover more about Jahrra and the world of Ethöes at www.oescienne.com