The Guild Fanucci

It came to pass that at a Candlemas event held one snowy Valentines day in the southern reaches of the Middle Kingdom, there was a great auction where many laurels of the land had donated wares and crafts and commissions to allow the King’s travels to better continue.

Midway through this venture, an item came up for bidding. The winner would receive an illuminated valentine to be painted, composed, calligraphed, framed, and presented to the person of their choosing.

Bidding was fierce and many ducats were destined to enrich the King’s coffers. On this day, for this item, one Count Jafar al Safa was victorious. He wasted no time making the commission, approaching yours truly and saying:

” Swiftrunner. I need the perfect valentine for Kenna next year. Make it with these bits of information and present it to her a year from today.”

With that he went on to tell me of her fine qualities, and his eyes shone throughout the telling. I went off, crafted the scroll, the sonnet, and the framing, and awaited the time to present his gift.

As many know, Jafar won the next fall Crown Tournament and was taken ill, and passed forever from these lands ere year end.

Two months later, the following was presented on an illuminated scroll to HRH Kenna, allowing Jafar to touch her from beyond this world

Valentine
Commissioned by Jafar al Safa for his beloved Kenna
© 2005 George Reed

Never a spirit more kindred to mine
Than beauteous Kenna, my Valentine.
Her kindness to creatures small and feline
Her generous warmth around me will shine

Three years fly swift, two hearts as one.
In light of her honor great deeds have been done.
By sword and by tale approaches great fame
Bringing high honor to Kenna’s fair name.

Above the dark forest where dragons have lair
Are shining fair eyes and soft flowing hair.
Her eyes are more radiant than any star
Shining a path to her—so speaks Jafar.

Once were great ladies, and such is she
Beautiful Kenna, beloved to me.