Delphine de Montaillou

A vintage sampled at last, and a meeting of friends

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:22:06 GMT

Ah, I have been much distracted over the past weeks, as the weather enticed me to traveling rather than writing. My mind seems now to overflow with ideas and thoughts, so I will attempt to gather them together in some semblance of order so as to recount what has transpired since last I made the attempt.

Raul's wine has been tasted at last, and while I feel this vintage may be too sweet for my liking, Aniella was most pleased by it, and so I find myself with a large number of casks which perhaps will be put to use after all. I do know Raul certainly appears to have more stories to tell us once he has enjoyed several glasses of whatever may be to hand, so we should expect an entertaining spring, at least when we find ourselves distracted from other more serious activities.

I have also had the fortune to dine with several illustrious ladies and gentlemen, courtesy of my friend Master Niccolo, who invited us to his villa not too long ago. The fare was excellent, and the conversation diverting--while I cannot remember at present all that took place, one subject of note was a discussion of beauty, what it entailed, and how to recognize it when found. Many excellent points were made, and the talk lasted for some time, as truly each person has his own conception of what this should be, and therein lay our challenge. Our conclusion, ultimately, was that beauty is not to be found in the nature of an object or person, nor in our perception and capacity for love and admiration for said object, but where the two come to meet. More succinctly, as put by Master Niccolo, "beauty is neither here (at which point he lifts his wineglass) nor here (gestures to his head, referring then to thought), but here (at which point, he drinks)."

I only wish I could convey more fully the effect given, but as I have only words to do so, my hope is that they will suffice for now. Of those I would give more, but I must be away to my studies, for I am overdue a meeting with my tutor, and have passages to translate. Farewell, and as always, fondest regards to all my dear friends.

Of meetings...

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 02:31:53 GMT

It troubles me that I have not decided yet which is more correct: the impression of a person gained from a chance meeting, or one based upon information imparted by another? If the two are compared, do they both possess the same amount of truth? What image then is formed? I ask myself these questions because I am worried for potential contradictions in my future endeavors, as I have discovered of late that despite the many people in many lands all existing here at once, we seem to encounter the same ones, or duplicates in spirit, more often than not, and so we have ever-increasing opportunities to examine such relations and wonder at our place in the world.

Rarely is it my intention to behave discourteously (unfortunately, I fear it is my desire nonetheless more often than I would care to admit), and I believe I have managed so far to fulfill this goal, yet I fear that my own judgements may prove the failing of this yet.

I must depart, for I have left the evening meal too long, but before I do, in the event that such thoughts are somehow acknowledged by fate; I wish for the health and safety of my friends traveling far from home, and for the same upon their return. I have heard the roads are particularly bad this season, and given the ill weather and delays already caused by it, such journeys are ever the more dangerous.

To you, luck and my deepest affection.

companionship; the art of the sword

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:00:56 GMT

On Aniella's reccomendation, our friend Raul has come for the season, bringing with him many bottles of currant wine, which he has been most anxious to present. I must detail my experiences once we have had the chance to sample it in full--I am sure, with the coming winter, we shall have ample opportunity, as I anticipate some sort of gathering to take place either here or at one of the nearby estates. As I wait, I have meanwhile taken up the study of the sword, as it is both an exhilarating challenge and a fitting indoor pursuit, given the growing cold. I find that it focuses the mind and the body together, though I must admit deciding the most advantageous means to attack one's opponent can occasionally require more thought than is proper while actually engaged, as the proper balance of concentration is essential. Clearly some divide is still present within me, and though such movement is becoming habit, I must still devote more attention to training such reactions into myself. With more practice I am confident my skill can only improve....

The days are darker yet...

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:11:05 GMT

I fear I have been rather remiss in my duties--I had recieved a letter from my dear friend Rikitsa, detailing the troubles in her homeland. While I believe she is safe, I still fear for her family as I would my own. I write now to remind myself to inquire as to the particulars of her current state, and to determine what aid, if any, I can send. I have heard distressing tales from many in the recent past, and it seems the times ahead will be trying indeed. I can only hope that through combined efforts, they will pass us by and again we shall be able to devote ourselves to lighter things. For my own part, I am forever learning the complexities involved in matters of the heart, and in the preservation of peace among parties who would not always wish it. As I seek guidance I am constantly reminded of my own obligations to serve those close to me, as I wish nothing more than for the ultimate happiness and fortune for them all.

dancing

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 20:28:12 GMT

Several months ago I had the fortune to study under many renound dancing masters and mistresses, and I had hoped to impart some of what I had learned to others, as the enjoyment I take from it should by all means be shared, but I was sadly disappointed when the gathering we had planned did not draw nearly as many as planned. Nevertheless, we made the acquaintance of a young gentleman new to these parts, and his company, and his eagerness to join our entertainments was most pleasing. I talked at length with friends I had not seen in a long while, and I feel that the potential for other such gatherings in the future is not yet lost. I must endeavor to invite more to join us next month...

In which I start my account

Sat, 28 Jul 2007 07:04:33 GMT

I am afraid I have let my candles burn far too long again, which may indeed be wasteful, but I have decided at least to write down some account of my days so as to learn from these events and better remember them, so as to prove myself better able to contemplate their significance. Or perhaps this will instead prove a waste of ink as well...only time will show, I suppose. I have been away of late, visiting my dear friend Rikitsa, whose hospitality and conversation is always a great comfort, and was able also to meet with several others who had much news and exciting information to impart. I have been ill for a time, which is why I have delayed in starting this account, but as I grow stronger my desire to write returns to me, and I believe that I shall be fruitful in my endeavors at last. Tomorrow I think I shall see to the health of my vineyards instead of concerning myself with my own--I have great hopes for this summer's crop. Until then, I must put away these things, I think, and rest.