Family Found Again and an Evening with Kael

Family Found Again and an Evening with Kael
Journal Entry — October 27, 2026
Locations: Turmus Festival Grounds; Home

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Later in the afternoon, I walked through the festival and exchanged greetings near the auction area. There was still plenty of activity, though I was beginning to feel the weight of the day.

That evening, I had a lovely visit with William Carver. It was good to see a familiar face from Svago. I told him about my school in the Educational Hall, my current work as a Legal Clerk, and Kael courting me again. We had been working on the wording of our companionship contract yesterday.

I told William that we were looking at December 19 for the ceremony, though I had not yet spoken with the Ubar and Ubara about using the space. He thought he would be available, and I told him I would put his name on the guest list.

Our conversation turned to family. I mentioned that, had my aunt still been with him, we would have been family. William said we could still be family if I wished. I told him that, besides Kael, he was the closest thing I had to family left.

“Then that is how we shall leave it then, we shall be family,” he told me.

I liked that very much. When I teased that he had better send me a family tree, he warned me it would be a big one—and then sent it. Later, he introduced me to Liberty, his ward and personal clerk, as his niece. Before they returned to their ship, I wished Uncle William and Liberty well.

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Kael arrived later and greeted me with a big hug. He had read my journal posts and asked how I felt about the day. I told him I was good with how things had turned out, and suggested we sit at the house.

We talked over the hearing and how tiring it had been. Today’s proceedings had lasted two hours, bringing the total to five. Kael told me that I had done well and that he was very proud of me. It was good to hear that from him.

Nadia wanted me to handle her next matter, concerning her attempt to leave the city. I told Kael that Jessika had the original report and that I had never received a copy. By then, however, I needed a mental break from court work.

I admitted that I was so tired it was difficult even to enjoy the festival. Kael hoped we could enjoy it together tomorrow. We shared another hug before he retired for the night, and I told him I was glad to see him.

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To-Do / Follow-Up

• Speak with the Ubar and Ubara about the ceremony space and the tentative December 19 date.
• Begin the guest list, including Uncle William.
• Take some time to rest after the trial.
• Enjoy the festival with Kael, if we are both able.

The Final Hearing & Festival Laughter

October 27, 2026

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I began the morning at the Magistrate Office, testing the new messenger raven. The system reported that the message had been delivered and that the raven had returned.

Laela also let me know that Marcus was away attending to personal matters. There was no definite date for his return.

At the final hearing, I continued representing Nadia. I asked Edward whether he had touched her face. I also offered passages concerning clothing when that subject arose and raised objections during the questioning.

In my closing statement, I asked the Court to consider Nadia’s account of unwanted contact in her home, her resistance, and her calls for assistance. I emphasized that the absence of physical injury did not establish consent and that the boots could not, by themselves, resolve the conflicting accounts.

I addressed Nadia’s later conduct as well, asking that those allegations be considered on their own evidence and that her distress be weighed in mitigation. I also challenged the request that she be enslaved and awarded to Edward or transferred to a slave house.

Kelli dismissed the case between Nadia and Edward because neither side had provided conclusive proof. The ruling applied to both accounts; it did not establish either person’s version as proven.

Nadia’s alleged disobedience of orders remained a separate matter. Kelli stated that it would be heard after the festival, directed her to remain in Turmus, and declined to place her under arrest.

Jessika asked whether Edward could be informed if Nadia were later enslaved so that he might purchase her. Kelli refused that request. Nadia answered with a pointed suggestion that Jessika take Edward herself if she considered him honorable.

Dexter congratulated me on my efforts to keep Nadia from being collared. After so much preparation and uncertainty, that acknowledgment mattered.

Later, I joined the festival gathering. The tarsk races brought a welcome change from the courtroom. Riders lost their way, spectators teased them, and there was plenty of laughter. Freya won the first race, while Hogarth won the second.

The original case was finished, but Nadia’s remaining matter would still need attention after the festival.

.... And the day is not yet done.
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NADIA VS. EDWARD — COMBINED TRIAL SUMMARY

October 15 and October 27, 2026

Presiding Magistrate: Kelli

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I represented Lady Nadia in her complaint against Edward, while Jessika Roberts represented Edward. Nadia testified that he entered her home without invitation, ignored her requests to leave, touched her cheeks and lips, tugged her clothing, and pulled her closer. She described resisting his contact, taking up a broom, and calling for assistance. She acknowledged that he had not pushed her through the doorway and that she suffered no physical injury.

Edward gave a conflicting account, claiming Nadia invited him inside, removed his boots, and attempted to seduce him. When asked for the words of her invitation, he did not provide them. At the final hearing, I asked whether he had touched Nadia’s face. He answered, “I do not recall touching her face.”

Jessika questioned why Nadia had not fled, sought a physician, or used a stronger weapon. Nadia maintained that the contact was unwanted and explained that she wanted Edward to leave without provoking a more dangerous confrontation. My objection during the final questioning was sustained. A statement attributed to the slave Tayir was withdrawn during the first hearing after questions about its admissibility.

Jessika presented Edward’s boots as evidence supporting his account. I challenged the suggestion that he needed Nadia’s assistance to remove them. Kelli admitted the boots but ultimately concluded that either person could have removed them.

In closing, I asked the Court to consider Nadia’s testimony, distinguish unwanted contact from physical injury, and reject enslavement without proven lawful grounds. I also asked that her later alleged disobedience be judged separately. Jessika disputed Nadia’s credibility, sought Edward’s release, and argued for Nadia’s enslavement.

Kelli dismissed the case for lack of conclusive evidence from either party. He clarified that neither side had proven its account. Nadia was not ordered enslaved.

Her alleged disobedience of orders to remain in Turmus was reserved for a separate trial after the festival. Kelli did not place her under arrest and instructed her to remain in the city. He also refused Jessika’s request that Edward be notified if Nadia were later enslaved so he could consider purchasing her.

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Supporting Nadia & Settling Our Plans

October 26, 2026

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My day began very early with Nadia. I introduced her to Anvar and explained that she wished to turn herself in. I took her hand and accompanied her to the Warriors’ Hall.

Nadia was distressed about returning to a cell. I stayed with her for a time, offered reassurance, and told her that I still hoped she would remain in Turmus. I like having her as my neighbor.

Anvar helped arrange stools and attended to her requests for food, drink, and other necessities. Despite her distress, there were moments of teasing and laughter as she and Anvar talked. His height became a source of amusement, with both of us noticing how small we seemed beside him.

While we were there, I read Anvar’s five documents aloud: the Warrior Caste Roster, Scouting Report Form, Raid Protocols, Weapons List, and Incident/Crime Report Form. The roster listed him as Spear.

After leaving Nadia to rest, I invited Anvar to the Tea Room for blackwine. I bought two honey breads and shared one with him. We talked about the trial, Nadia’s confinement, and the conflicting accounts of what had happened in her home. I also helped him with information about physicians in the city.

The expected trial did not proceed to its conclusion. Confusion over a postponement announcement meant that the hearing was recessed until the following morning.

I asked Kelli to release Nadia on her own recognizance while the separate matter awaited a hearing. I explained that she was a merchant who wished to showcase her shop during the fair and that she promised to remain in Turmus and appear when summoned.

Kelli permitted her to remain outside the cell, with a stern warning against leaving the city. He placed her in my care and made me responsible for ensuring she kept her word. Dexter also confirmed that he was her legal guardian. Before Nadia left, I reminded her to stay within Turmus.

After court, I took Ink home. We worked through difficulties with the protected passage to the upper floor until she could use it. I explained how it worked and why she needed to be careful around it during a raid. I also showed her the birds and roses on the newly decorated walls. Her hammock had been moved into the kitchen.

Later, Kael and I reviewed the companionship contract. We discussed its wording carefully, including a clause I had written out of concern about receiving the attention, affection, and consideration promised to me. I removed that clause after our discussion, although doing so brought me face to face with the fear behind it.

We spoke about the twins and about children in our future. We agreed to wait at least a real year before considering children, giving ourselves time together first.

We settled on December 19 for our companionship. Kael said that date worked for him, me, and Ink. The contract was close to final, with the remaining changes back in my hands.

We also discussed household expenses. Kael agreed to share half the cost of the house and cover his own apartment if he kept it. I left finding a DJ to him, with my request that the music be happy love songs suited to the occasion.

The afternoon also included looking at clothing and considering things that might suit him. It was pleasant to spend time on our own plans after the strain of the morning.
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Scribe Work & Plans with Kael

October 25, 2026

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I spoke with Anvar Vermax in the morning and welcomed him as a resident. When I offered assistance with legal matters, he explained that he could not read and needed help understanding the documents he had received from Augustus. I offered to read them aloud. As he still had patrols to finish, I arranged to review the papers and help him when he returned.

The jail incident remained on my mind. I had seen a warrior and physician with a bound man who did not appear to be doing well. A magistrate had been sought, but none had been found. I wanted to locate the warrior and make certain an incident report was prepared.

I also discussed Nadia’s situation. The prolonged trial had left her waiting, and her attempt to obtain supplies outside Turmus had resulted in further trouble. Her offer of coins had been interpreted as bribery. I was disappointed by what had happened, while understanding her frustration with the delay.

Later, I met Kael at the office with Zeeb and his slave, Aria. Kael had completed the ownership papers, and I helped by filing them in the city records.

Kael and I spent time discussing our future. We talked about the companionship contract, the wording of the ceremony, a possible officiant, and having the gathering at our house. Aries was someone I considered asking to conduct the ceremony. We also discussed music and whether Kael knew a DJ.

Our conversation included his past companionships and almost-companionships. I want to know the man I am planning to companion, including what has changed during the years between Svago and now.

When Ink joined us, we discussed possible dates. November 14 and December 19 were under consideration, but I wanted a date that would allow her to attend. I told her that we wanted her there.

By evening, I had repainted all the walls in the house. Between city work, our plans, and making the house feel right, there was plenty to occupy me.
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Dresses, Friends & The Turmus Times

October 24, 2026

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My morning included searching for a dress for a special occasion. Between the shops and looking through my own closet, my feet were getting sore. I had selected one possibility but still needed to check with Selia.

I spent time visiting with others and invited Cherry to join us. Later, I greeted Kelli and offered to show him the location he was looking for.

Jessika and I worked on displaying The Turmus Times. She initially had only the front showing, so I explained how to place the second page on the back. I wondered how many people would stop to read the headlines. I love that Turmus now has a newspaper, although I regretted missing the plays.

I also spoke with a visiting man who had questions about staying in Turmus and about tarns. I directed him toward the Commander for answers concerning the city’s rules.

That evening, I stopped near the jail, where a bound man and others had gathered. Selia was there, and Dexter arrived as well. I wanted to know what had happened, but I still had no clear account of the incident.
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New Neighbors, Unfinished Business, and Plans with Kael

Journal Entry — October 23, 2026

Locations: Turmus Slave House, Magistrate Office, Educational Hall, and residential district.

The morning brought introductions near the Slave House, where Aries was showing Lady Isalina around. I introduced myself as Turmus’s Legal Clerk and a teacher. Isalina spoke of opening a fresh-food shop offering meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. I thought it would be a welcome addition to the city. Kelli joined us briefly before continuing toward the Magistrate Office. I also met Rhys McTavish, who introduced himself as a slaver and merchant dealing in mead and ale.

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I excused myself to head toward the Magistrate Office. Earlier, I had collected a copy of the Turmus Trial Court Form dated October 15. The work of the office remained part of my morning, though the gathering outside provided a chance to become better acquainted with people settling into the city.

Later, Stone introduced himself and asked about my teaching. I gave him a scroll listing the upcoming lessons and explained that I had 120 classes in total. His enthusiasm for learning was encouraging, and I welcomed him to attend whenever his duties allowed. I also pointed out the Educational Hall mailbox for questions or requests about particular subjects.

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Some of the morning went into improving the seating. I worked with chairs I already owned, changing their brown appearance to a lighter color, and noted that new chairs were available in the Educational Hall and on the porch. It was satisfying to make the spaces more comfortable and inviting.

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In the afternoon, I helped Jessika find the city banners. She told me she had officially found a home in Turmus, conveniently near the Library and scribal offices. We discovered that we would be neighbors and visited one another’s homes. I showed her my kitchen and new dish cabinet, and offered to show her the shortcut to the Library that Kael had shown me.

Jessika also asked whether I was interested in becoming an advocate, saying that Kelli seemed to think I was doing a good job with Nadia. I told her I hoped to speak with him when he had time.

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The trial remained unfinished business. Jessika relayed that Ubara Selia was considering Monday morning for its continuation, but Nadia might not be available. I expressed concern about proceeding without her. Jessika also said that Kelli hoped the remaining hearing could be completed in an hour. Nothing was confirmed.

Later, Dexter and I discussed the delays. I would rather have continued another hour during the previous hearing than face the difficulty of finding another day. I explained that I had only two or three questions left for Edward, followed by my closing statement. Dexter mentioned that the Magistrate had referred to new evidence. I wanted to understand what that meant before the hearing resumed.

I remained firm in my belief that Nadia was telling the truth. The case had occupied my thoughts for a long time, and I hoped we could soon bring it to a conclusion.

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The first issue of The Turmus Times was available, and Dexter was reading it when we met. I had a surprise waiting for Jessika and could hardly contain my excitement about showing her when she returned from dinner. When Dexter asked, I told him she would get to see it first. It was pleasant to have something enjoyable to anticipate between discussions of the trial.

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Kael arrived in the evening, and we settled into the chairs I had recolored. He found them comfortable and thought the color suited the surroundings. I asked about his missed morning visit and whether he was still upset over our earlier conversation. He said he was not upset.

We spoke about my ring and how I described our relationship to others. My answer was simple: we are courting. He smiled and agreed.

I shared the revised companionship contract and draft ceremony. We clarified that the latest contract was version 2.1 and the ceremony draft was version 1.0. Some blanks still needed his answers, and he had difficulty editing the document. Of the two proposed dates, he preferred November 14, at or after 1:00 p.m. I reminded him that Ubara Selia also needed to approve the date.

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Our conversation turned to ceremony clothing and his busy weekend. I had not yet begun looking for a dress, having been more concerned with spending time together and getting to know him better. Once I chose one, we could look for something for him to wear.

I admitted that I had hoped for more time together over the weekend. He explained his commitments and shared more about his teaching outside our life in Turmus. When I expressed interest, he gave me access to one of his lesson plans. I looked forward to reading it with a clearer head in the morning. Having something of his to read would help me feel closer while he was away.

We ended the evening with a hug and wishes for restful sleep.

To-Do / Follow-Up

◈ Confirm the trial schedule and Nadia’s availability.
◈ Ask about the new evidence mentioned by Dexter.
◈ Speak with Kelli about my continuing legal role.
◈ Review the remaining contract blanks with Kael and resolve editing access.
◈ Ask Ubara Selia about November 14 before treating it as the ceremony date.
◈ Begin looking for a ceremony dress and read Kael’s lesson plan.