A Personal Introduction
A Journey into the Domain of Your Hostess
You are travelling along a wooded path when a fantastical castle appears in front of you. It reminds you of the ones you read about in gothic and medieval literature and rises majestically from amidst the trees. You look at the invitation in your hand to verify you have followed the directions perfectly, and you have. Before you, then, must be the home of Lady Raven and the little realm of Ravngard. As you were not really expecting accommodations such as this, you take a brief pause before continuing onward.
As you are lost in thought, a lady upon a black horse approaches you along the path. She is wearing a long, dark purple gothic style gown with black lace along the neckline and sleeves and flat silk slippers. "Good evening, gentle traveller. I am Lady Raven and I have been expecting you. The household has made preparations and a mount will be brought to you shortly. Just make sure to state that Lady Raven has sent you when you reach my keep and you will find your welcome there." Just then a man on horseback approaches, pulling your mount behind. As he does, your hostess waves and takes her leave down the path. You and your guide follow later, after you have had a drink and mounted the horse provided.
You are greeted warmly and find you do not even need your formal invitation. You are taken to a room where you can bathe and change into comfortable, clean clothing. Then you set about putting things into place within a large old worlde wardrobe which sits on the wall opposing the large four post canopy bed. After about an hour you are invited to spend your time with the kingdom's sovereign. Your escort sees you through a hall of polished stone floors, stone walls with gothic styled architecture. You ponder the age of the castle. Candles light the way and various banners, shields, and arms adorn the walls. Behind heavy, ornate wooden doors you find the sovereign lounging comfortably in a Duncan Fyffe chair of deep burgundy damask.
She too has taken the liberty of changing and now dons a deep forest green wide sleeved floor length empire gown with a square neckline. Her hair is curled and partly bound in an arcane style. She sits with her feet tucked beneath her and gestures you toward a large sofa. As you move in that direction, you see that in front of you is a large array of fruits, vegetables, Meade, hot tea, breads, meats, spreads and various condiments happily sharing the space with the candles on the table.
"Hello gentle traveller" she says "I am lady raven, sovereign of the realm and I welcome you to travel about freely both inside the keep and outside in the territory of Ravngard. You have my protection, no harm shall come to you and as my guest you should have access to all you need."
You nod politely and look around the room. You notice the various pictures, sculptures, fireplaces and overall decor. You feel you have stepped back in time to a period rather medieval. You then notice the hostess' fondness for the raven. You ask about it.
"Ah yes, well, as the kingdom's sovereign, I have the right to take a name for myself that I feel appropriate and I have chosen the name Raven Shadowwinds. I believe it is a symbolic expression of my inner being in a way. No not a'tal in the mundane way of reasoning on the topic as I am neither dark of complexion, hair or clothing, nor am I fascinated with death. I took the name of the raven for many reasons, one of which is the nature of Ravens themselves. Known to be problem solvers, they can pick locks and figure sums. I must needs be the same. Aye, they are scavengers, but any soul who has seen me at a flea market or thrift store need not ponder this parallel for very long. Ravens are communally helpful, and I style myself to be the same." Lady Raven adjusts her position on the chair before going on. "The most important reason for my choice of namesake is because of the symbolism surrounding the raven in two sources which are important to me: Scripture and my Celto-Norse Heritage."
"Ravens are mentioned in scripture several times specifically. The first of these we see in Genesis 8. Noah sends the raven out from the ark when the flood waters died down. However, the dove was also sent out and it was the dove that brought back the olive branch and finished the job the raven started. I am much like that raven. Oftimes I was given to starting a task; but almost as many times was not permitted by providence to complete it. As the pattern emerged, I began to subconsciously embrace and eventually capitalise on my ability to be a "self starter." I eventually did not miss the lack of closure and as my life evolved I learned that finishing projects may not always be my destiny. As I embraced this I began to also mimic the raven in another aspect - making a silent exit. The raven did not say goodbye or stop back to let Noah and family know where he had set up housekeeping. He was released and he left with no explanation. So it is with me. My life is made full with fond memories of those I have been touched by in the past and hopefully those I come in contact have their lives enriched by having met me. I tend to abstain from long goodbyes, whether with friends or tasks finished by others."
"Another mention of the raven in the bible is in Psalms. These are provision and providence references, just as with Jesus' mention of the bird in Luke 12. Like the raven, I understand that God always provides and I have learned to recognise it when it happens. I have lived on less than 800$ per month and no one in my family has ever gone hungry or naked."
"I have received money in the mail from those I do not know, found food on the doorstep and forgotten income tax refunds arrived just in time for Christmas. I have been awarded prizes that someone else entered me for and found money in my yard. I've received short term projects suddenly and just before unexpected expenses. I've learned to trust God for the provision He gives and to praise Him always for it when it comes. I have been tremendously blessed indeed. Like the raven in scripture, I know from where my help comes. God not only provides for me, He does so without my worrying about it."
"Another reference to our black feathered friends shows them delivering food to God's prophet while he was hiding in a cave. I see it as the raven being used to bless others and it is a true thing that I must be about blessing others as well. Much care and thought has gone into the creation of this domain and it is for the blessing of others that it exists."
Lady Raven sipped a cup of tea before continuing, "Ravens are highly respected in both Celtic and Norse mythology and literature. In these venues they are not symbols of gloom and doom. Instead they are the advisors to gods and kings, the possessors of great wisdom. While I am not a pagan and will not allow myself to go to the extreme with this, the symbolism is very important to me. I am fair smart, but 'tis always greater knowledge, understanding and wisdom that I am seeking. In more mythological, symbolic or poetic terms, this is called the "raven's knowledge" and indeed it is, aside from spiritual stability, my greatest desire and goal in life."
Lady Raven leans forward, slicing a piece of cheese and pouring two cups of her finest Meade. She begins to eat and drink while at the same time making an offer of the same to you.
"Gentle Traveller, if it is to know more of me that you desire stay here and break bread with me. We will spend the time in talk song and perhaps we will weave a story or two. If you wish to enter Ravngard, you are most welcome to do so. I have attempted to make Ravngard a place of learning, intellectual honesty and inspiration as much as it is entertainment. If I was successful, you will be enlightened, challenged and possibly annoyed and offended...but you will not be bored, dear visitor."
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