A Lobster, a Scribe Meeting, and Music for the Nineteenth

A Lobster, a Scribe Meeting, and Music for the Nineteenth

Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Locations: Odette’s Tea Room, Turmus Lake, Magistrate’s Office, Scribe Hall
All times SLT

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6:19–9:06 a.m. | Odette’s Tea Room and Turmus Lake — RP and OOC

 By the time I settled back into my seat at the Tea Room, my blackwine had gone cold. Odette fetched a fresh pot and replenished the milk and sugar. Vitoria was seeing to the other patrons, and July came in to buy tea and a pastry for Aries. When Kaellaed Rhode arrived, he told me he liked the trellis and had seen my YouTube page. Odette offered him spiced tea and gave us a little room to talk.

 I had not realized the fishing tournament had already started. Kaellaed Rhode offered to walk me over and stayed to watch a few casts before work. While I got my line in the water, I told him how much I was enjoying being his again. He said he liked how things were going this time and appreciated me more. I told him there was an ease between us now that had not been there before.

 I pulled in a lobster big enough for dinner. Kaellaed Rhode said it would be good with butter and called me a skilled fisherwoman. We discovered that we both liked salmon, and I waved to Selia, who wished us happy fishing. He hugged me goodbye around half past seven. I stayed with my line in the water, listening to the little sounds along the shore and casting again whenever I felt like it. I had a meeting and errands ahead of me, but for a little while the only thing I needed to watch was the water.

9:13–9:26 a.m. | Outside the Magistrate’s Office — RP and OOC

 I met Aries, Nicholas Eel, and July outside the office. Nicholas was on his way to look at the slave house board and mentioned that the cushions around the tavern pit had been fixed. Aries was glad to hear it before Tavern Night. I told him I kept finding more things to do for the nineteenth, but it looked as though I had found someone who could play the songs I had written. Uncle William had agreed to officiate, and I wanted to show him where everything would be. Aries said he expected to be able to attend.

 Aries had now interviewed both Freya and Sabrina. He still needed to have the wine tested and see what witnesses he could find. I asked him to keep me posted. OOC: I had to leave for a physical and asked him to let Kelli know if I did not make it back for the meeting. I did make it back. At two, I also received the citizen registration application for Zeth’al and Zee Kov Oressell through the Magistrate’s mailbox.

2:55–4:22 p.m. | Scribe Hall — Scribe Caste Meeting, RP

 Before the meeting began, Trent told Orion that Neva had been examined and asked him to finish signing off on her scroll work. Orion agreed. Kelli chaired the meeting, with Aries, Orion, Trent, Jessika, Lilly, Ayamla Pallas, and me among those present. Kaellaed Rhode joined the discussion later. Aries introduced Ayamla as a new Records Keeper he had admitted to the caste within the last hand. Kelli welcomed her and agreed that the growing city needed another person to help with the records.

 Kelli asked us to keep the censuses current and make sure the slave houses send copies of their records for the city files. He said the recent trial had gone as well as it could given that neither side had proved its case, and he asked the Magistrates to dig deeper into the matters brought to us in incident reports. He also reminded us to prepare for the cold season. Our regular caste meeting will be on Wednesdays, except when a citywide meeting or a dance conflicts. Lilly said having a regular day resolved the problem she had had with missing the notices.

 We spent much of the meeting on signatures, seals, and who gives the client a final copy. Kelli said a document is invalid if it lacks any required signature or seal. Orion asked whether the Scribe should give the client a no-modify copy at the signing and send another copy to the Records Keeper. Jessika understood that the client’s final copy was issued after filing. The discussion moved through several possibilities, including a temporary signed copy for a private slave registration. Lilly asked whether that would leave the client with two copies, and Jessika questioned the need to issue an unfinished one as a matter of course.

 Kelli’s final direction was that in ordinary cases, the client waits until the document is formally filed. The Records Keeper then sends the final no-modify copy to the Scribe who officiated at the signing, and that Scribe makes sure the client receives it. Kelli recommended getting it done within one hand, or one week, and allowed for exceptions in emergencies. Orion offered to help write a short procedure so the caste could refer to it later. Kelli said one was already in the planning stage.

 Aries then reported on Ladies Sabrina and Freya of House Blackwood. He confirmed that he was handling the investigation. The women had gone from a cell to Jake’s care, and Aries had eased the restrictions to allow them at home, at their shops, and in the immediate vicinity. They were still to abstain from alcohol. Aries asked us to tell him if we saw either woman drinking or outside the permitted areas. Both had been seen by a physician; Aries believed Lady Seònai had examined them and suspected Thassa poisoning. He had collected the bottle and drink samples for the physicians to test. He said the initial information suggested that if there was poison in the bottle, it might have been there before the women came to the city.

 Jessika asked whether the women had actually behaved in a disorderly or slave-like manner and questioned whether intoxication alone justified their confinement. Aries said they had been so impaired that the Warriors were called, he believed by the Ubara. Kelli clarified that his concern was intoxication with disorderly conduct. Jessika agreed with that distinction. Kelli asked us to wait for the test results before judging the women’s conduct, since poisoning could change how the incident was understood. After adjournment, Kaellaed Rhode suggested that a Free Woman who planned to drink would be safer with an escort. Kelli agreed, and Jessika agreed it was a sensible precaution while maintaining that intoxication alone was not necessarily unlawful. Aries sent out his meeting notes, and I received the notecard that evening.

4:24–5:13 p.m. | Turmus — Companionship Plans, RP and OOC

 I took Kaellaed Rhode outside to show him the gift Maxx Wise had made for us: a statue of the two of us, in color and so lifelike that he immediately remarked on the likeness. I had been surprised by it myself and still had not decided where to put it. The other good news was that Maxx agreed to handle the music, play the songs I had written along with other selections, and make a special song for us. I told Kaellaed Rhode I had made twenty-three songs for the occasion. Finding someone who could play them was one of the things I had been most worried about.

 We went over the contract and talked about keeping our vows to about a paragraph each. The two details I still needed were the date his apartment was paid through and the amount of coin he held. He thought the apartment had roughly two weeks left and gave me his coin figures. We talked about keeping the apartment as a private place to study and about his sharing half the house rent. He said he would read the draft over. I showed him where the main contract ended and the first renewal began. He found a heading that still called the dates “proposed,” even though the November 19 effective date and February 19 first renewal date were already written in.

 We agreed on an open house reception. Guests could use the outside and the first two floors, and we could move about and talk with people instead of staying at the table. I still wanted to go over that with Ella. I was glad Kaellaed Rhode had been able to come in early. It was fun to sit together and picture how the day would go.

5:14–6:28 p.m. | Odette’s Tea Room — RP

 Uncle William arrived with Lady Liberty just as I was thinking about him. He had been showing her the falls. We sat down with blackwine, mint tea, and chocolate sweet bread while I told him that reviewing the contract had turned up a few more draft notes to clear away. He offered to read it once I was satisfied with it. Kaellaed Rhode thanked him for agreeing to officiate for us a second time, and William said it was his honor. When I asked what else we should do ahead of the ceremony, he said to make sure the guests we especially wanted there could attend and to arrange any chairs we needed at the falls. I told him I was already working with Ella and that she would decorate for me.

 Liberty said she loved the falls and was looking forward to the ceremony. We talked about the recent opening in Harfax. She remembered the river, the bridge, the waterfalls, and the friendly people, as well as the rubble and vines that still needed clearing. William said Harfax was an ally of Besnit and that Besnit would stand by them as they built. He described Besnit as a small, quiet community where he had more time to travel and see old friends. I said I would like to travel more with Kaellaed Rhode, and he suggested we visit Besnit after the ceremony. That sounded like something we could both look forward to once the nineteenth was behind us.

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To-Do
◈ Invite Maxx Wise to see the ceremony and reception locations, and agree on when the music will play.
◈ Choose where to display the statue on November 19.
◈ Verify the apartment’s paid-through date, enter the coin figures, and remove the remaining draft wording. Have Kaellaed Rhode review the contract before signing and sealing it, then get a copy to Uncle William.
◈ Draft my vows and confirm the ceremony arrangements with Uncle William.
◈ Go over seating, decorations, and the open house layout with Ella.
◈ Follow up with Aries for the wine test results and any witness accounts.
◈ Check the filing status of the Oressell citizen registration application.

Done
◈ Confirmed Maxx Wise for the music and received his statue gift.
◈ Spoke with Uncle William about preparations for the ceremony.
◈ Received the November 11 Scribe Caste meeting notes.

Blackwine Before Work

Blackwine Before Work

Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Locations: Turmus (Nile River), Educational Hall, Odette’s Tea Room, Shades of Turmus
All times SLT

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4:29–5:22 a.m. | Odette’s Tea Room — RP

 Harry recognized me from the day before and asked if he could sit. I told him to help himself to the blackwine. He asked what I did in Turmus, and I told him I was the Assistant Magistrate and a teacher. When I asked what he did, he said he mostly annoyed Free Women. I asked why he made that his aim, and he said it was no aim at all; it just seemed to happen because they took him for a brute. He was from the North and only passing through. Home, he said, was wherever he laid his head.

 Odette refilled the pot before going to the bakery for fresh pastries. I thought the blackwine was exceptional. Harry said he was no great admirer of it, though it had its uses after a night of drinking. Vitoria came in with Cherry and took over while Odette saw to her work. Torm introduced himself as a Scribe newly arrived from Cos, where he had sailed from while accompanying a lady on her trading business. He asked for a mellow tea, and Vitoria served him honey tea for two coppers.

 Harry asked if I would show him around the city, but I had a lesson to prepare. I introduced myself to Torm, who said he had already sent word that he was looking for an apprenticeship. I had found that message in the Magistrate’s mailbox the day before. He said he hoped to come to my lesson. At that hour I still gave noon and four as the class times. Before I left, Vitoria congratulated me and wished the Priest-Kings’ blessing on our companionship.

5:42–7:37 a.m. | Educational Hall, Tea Room, and Shades of Turmus — RP and OOC

 Kaellaed Rhode found me at the Educational Hall while I was updating the lesson on Scribes. The blackboard had caught his attention. He was thinking about the difference between a record and the truth: a Scribe is meant to observe without becoming part of what is being recorded, but even an observer can mistake what an action means. What looks like theft might be a purchase; what looks like an attack might be self-defense. Those were good examples for the lesson. I confess I was so glad to see him that it took me a moment to remember what I had put on the board. He said he had mellowed over the years and told me he appreciated the way I observe, care, and work. It felt good to stand close to him and hear him say that.

 He asked about Uncle William, the invitations, and what we would do for music if Bluesaint did not come through. I told him William had said he would perform the ceremony, and that I had sent invitations the previous day after Selia posted the announcement in Turmus. Copies were up at our house and the Educational Hall, and I had permission to post one by the Theater Falls. I asked him to send a scroll to Eloise, his daughter, and to anyone else he wanted there. He opened the invitation and liked both the way it looked and what it said. We left the question of backup music open.

 We also talked about the adoption papers. I had been waiting for Roland Kasimir to answer before I signed them, but I had not explained that clearly to Nadia. She thought I was leaving her out of a decision that affected her. I could see where I had left room for that misunderstanding. I changed subjects so quickly that Kaellaed Rhode briefly thought I was still talking about Eloise. I do forget to say when I have moved on to something else.

 OOC: We tried different colors and footwear with his new outfit. One pair of shoes was enormous, and for a while his feet had disappeared altogether. The pale blue with gold sleeves made me think of a dress I already own. The boots he had would do for now, and we talked about looking for boots and other outfits over the weekend.

 We walked to the Tea Room and sat over blackwine. I pointed out another invitation by the western stairs and told him how many people had already congratulated me. He asked if I was getting giddy. I was, and I told him I was getting more excited the closer we came to the nineteenth. He admitted that now that the event had been announced, he was getting nervous. We talked about the reception at the house, and I told him I had planned as far as that. He teased me about being strict, by which he meant I like people to follow the law and have little patience for careless work. Once he put it that way, I had to give him the point.

 A call from work meant he would soon have to go. When I asked if it was time, he wanted a few more minutes. He called our time together his oasis and told me how much he enjoyed it. I rarely sit still when there is work waiting, but I was glad to sit a little longer that morning. When the region was about to restart, we moved to Shades of Turmus. He hugged me before he left, and I thanked him for spending the morning with me.

10:01 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Educational Hall — RP and OOC

 Lady Regina Razor came in to see what was in the Hall. She looked up at the schedule and asked if the lessons were only for Scribes. I told her anyone could come. She said she would try to make one, and I was glad she had stopped in to ask.

 OOC: Earlier I thought my appointment would take me away from the four o’clock class. I had entered it in the wrong time zone, and by late morning I realized I needed to hurry out. At 11:39 the Hall’s calendar showed the noon session of Class 92: The Scribes: Knowledge, Truth, and the Written Record canceled and the four o’clock session still listed. I made the appointment with little time to spare, and it took longer than I expected. Later I accepted an invitation to dinner and forgot to return for the second session. I did not teach either class. One student let me know he had come, just as my sign in the classroom asked people to do if they found me away. I sent him the lesson as promised.

7:06–8:51 p.m. | Turmus — OOC and RP

 OOC: Kaellaed Rhode asked how my day had gone. I told him about the time mix-up, getting next year’s insurance sorted, and the chicken soup and manicotti I had for dinner. I had worked on a few songs and a sign telling people where to find them. We talked about the regular teaching schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon and four, and Saturdays at ten. I have lessons planned through July 2027, though some of the older ones still need my title updated. We also talked about Ink. She has a full life outside Turmus and often comes in for a little break. Even when there is hardly time to give her anything to do, I like having her around.

 I told him I liked the changes to the Tea Room and the walls that had gone up around the butcher’s shop. I had heard more houses were being built and wondered where they would go. He thought they might be on the neighboring region. I mentioned that I had made the textures for the trellis walls with the Tea Room sign. When I asked about the work that called him away that morning, he said it had been a busy but productive day, with procedures to straighten out and forms to clarify.

 RP: Lady Talena Lenore stopped to introduce herself. She had been away a long while and was still getting settled. When she saw my veil, she asked if she should be wearing one now that she was back from Torvaldsland. Kaellaed Rhode said he understood it was not required and looked to me as Magistrate. I told her that most high caste women wear one. She excused herself to put one on, and I invited her to come by in the morning when the women gather for blackwine. It had grown late by then. Kaellaed Rhode offered to walk me home, gave me a hug, and we said good night.

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To-Do
◈ Follow up with Bluesaint and settle on backup music for the ceremony and reception.
◈ Have Kaellaed Rhode send Eloise the invitation scroll and choose any other guests he would like to invite.
◈ Look for boots and possible ceremony outfits together over the weekend.
◈ Follow up on Roland Kasimir’s response before signing Nadia Kasimir’s adoption papers.
◈ Follow up on Torm’s Scribe apprenticeship inquiry.
◈ Update my title in older lessons as I prepare them for class.

Done
◈ Marked the noon session of Class 92 canceled on the Educational Hall calendar.
◈ Sent Class 92 to the student who wrote after coming to the Hall.

Mint Tea, Invitations, and a Confidence

Mint Tea and Companionship Invitations
Monday, November 9, 2026
Locations: Turmus (Nile River), Port Olni, and Shades of Turmus
All times SLT

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4:04–5:33 a.m. | Odette’s Tea Room, Turmus — RP

 Cherry Audax arrived in a flurry, and Odette knew right away to put on her usual mint tea. We joined Uhtred of Babenburgh at his table after he assured us, with a straight enough face, that he had bathed last week. Odette brought blackwine, verr milk, sugar, and honey breads, and let Cherry’s tea steep until it was strong without turning bitter. Vitoria offered to help and kept herself busy polishing cups and seeing to the kitchen.

 Uhtred said he was a warrior living in Lara and was traveling to see more of the world. My name sounded familiar to him, so I told him I had lived in Lara and taught at the school there for a little while. Cherry asked if he used Lara’s famous lavender soap. He preferred plain soap and, when she recommended the Cherry Bomb, said he preferred cherry pies. Cherry left to see to her exams, and Uhtred soon set off for home. The kennel girl 42 offered to serve, but Odette told her they had enough hands. Laela stopped on her way to work and admired the new walls and flowering tree. I liked the room better once Odette pointed out that the hanging carcasses were gone. She liked it too, though she had no intention of remodeling her tea room again.

 Odette had seen several visitors from Lara in the last few days and wondered whether there was trouble there. She was worried about Pandora. I told her I knew of none. When she asked what she had missed the previous evening, I told her that two women had been locked up for intoxication and were now under house arrest. They had just learned they were half sisters and opened a bottle they had saved for a special occasion. It came from a batch shipped from Port Victoria, and what we found while gathering evidence could change the outcome of the case. I said one possibility was that the wine had been tampered with to give someone a reason to collar women who drank it. We did not know who had put anything in the wine or why. Odette thought that if their intoxication was accidental, any case for enslaving them should be dismissed. She also wanted to know how anyone could have counted on the women drinking that particular wine. I left the conversation with that question still in mind.

 We turned to happier things after that. I told Odette the kitchen at home was ready, though I still had decorations and music to arrange for the companionship. She thought at first I meant to play an instrument myself. I explained that I was looking for a DJ to help with music for the ceremony and reception. She remembered that this would be our third companionship.

6:37–8:18 a.m. | Turmus and Port Olni — RP and correspondence

 Nadia stopped on her way to open her shop while I was laying out newspaper covers. She asked where to get the adoption papers, and I directed her to the Scribe Hall. When she asked if I had taken over the newspaper, I explained that Jessika still ran it; I help with the cover so readers can see the article titles on the copy by the pumpkins. Nadia gave me two adoption documents before leaving. A copy of the Turmus adoption record for Nadia Kasimir also came through the Library mailbox at 7:32.

 Kaellaed Rhode stopped by before work. I told him more people in the city had begun coming to me to get things done. He said that meant people trusted me and knew they could rely on me. I told him I liked being someone they could come to, even if it meant more work. He liked the new cover, and I explained that it would replace the one by the pumpkins when Jessika’s next issue was ready. He said we both worked hard, asked me to say hello to Ink for him, and gave me a hug before leaving. He expected to see me around seven.

 Selia sent me items labeled bluesaint and Maxx55Wise. I spent part of the morning sending companionship invitations, with a brief trip to Port Olni before returning to Turmus. Later, Dexter confirmed he had received the invitation or announcement, and Jessika sent me The Turmus Times, Volume 1, Issue 2, dated November 13.

8:19–9:17 a.m. | Home, Turmus — RP and OOC

 I passed along Kaellaed Rhode’s hello to Ink and told her how excited I was getting about the nineteenth. She was looking forward to it too. I gave her a sweater for the colder weather and showed her the kitchen. She spotted the two beds immediately and asked if she was getting a sister. I told her I had allowed for the possibility that Kaellaed Rhode might bring someone into the household. The beds and shelves were at a more sensible height now, and there was a ladder if anyone needed it.

 I showed Ink the beef in the lower barrels, the dried fish, ham and bacon, and the bags of salt and grain. I had put in little spice drawers, a basket to take shopping, and a proper counter to work on. How I ever forgot a counter the first time, I do not know. Ink noticed the birds and the nameplate over the door, which I meant to move to the other side after the ceremony. She said the house felt cozy. I told her I wanted it to feel comfortable for Kaellaed Rhode, and that settling in together felt better this time. We know each other’s flaws by now and have learned to speak more openly. Ink said she could see how much we had both grown since the first time.

 OOC: Ink and I talked about fitting the sweater and about the new table, which seats two, four, or six and can put food out from a small menu. She reminded me that she would be away for three days on a trip to Wisconsin after Wednesday, with perhaps a little time on mobile. I told her I had put it on my calendar. She had a vendor show Saturday; the outdoor farmers market had ended for the season, and she was glad things were slowing down enough for her to rest. Before she left for lunch and chicken chores, she told me she loved the kitchen. She also asked about ceremony outfits, and I did not get back to that question before we parted.

1:02–1:51 p.m. | Trade bells and Merchant Office, Turmus — RP

 Risk Lofgren came looking to trade, with Ayla accompanying him. Hogarth explained that he could approach individual merchants for single trades, but a trade agreement should go through Lady Carola. Solthan offered to discuss wine, juices, and grapes. Risk explained that he dealt in particular goods people needed or wanted and did not carry bulk stock on the chance of finding a buyer. Once I understood what he was after, I offered to show him the Merchant Office.

 At the office I showed him where to leave word and gave him the names of Ramius, the Head Merchant, and Carola Aromata, his assistant. Ayla repeated both names to remember them, and Risk thanked me with a wish that my chimney might smoke for a long time. He was thirsty by then, so I pointed him back to the building where we had first met. That was the tavern he was looking for.

3:18–6:42 p.m. | Turmus and home — RP and correspondence

 I spent part of the afternoon working with the LibraryBox and its records. Back at the tea room, I looked up to find Davi kneeling nearby and offering service. I told him I did not need anything. At the Magistrate’s mailbox I found a note from Torm, a recent Gorean Campus graduate looking for a Scribe’s apprenticeship. He said he would be staying near the Turmus harbor for the next few days and could be reached there.

 Solthan stopped to congratulate me and offered to donate wine from his shop for the companionship. I told him I would check with Kaellaed Rhode, and he asked me to let him know. It was a kind offer. By evening I was glad to see Kaellaed Rhode again. We exchanged greetings at 6:40, and a couple of minutes later I was ringing the bell at home. I had started the day telling him how often people were finding me with things to do. By then, I was glad to have someone I had been looking forward to finding myself.

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To-Do
◈ Get Torm’s apprenticeship inquiry to the Scribe leadership while he is still near the harbor.
◈ Ask Kaellaed Rhode about Solthan’s offer of wine and give Solthan an answer.
◈ Follow up on the DJ and music for the ceremony and reception, finish the decorations, and settle the ceremony outfits.
◈ Update the newspaper display by the pumpkins when the November 13 issue is ready for readers.

Done
◈ Sent companionship invitations and shared the welcome scroll.
◈ Received Nadia’s adoption papers and the copy sent through the Library mailbox.
◈ Received Jessika’s copy of the November 13 Turmus Times.

From Honey Tea to the Bakery Search

 November 8, 2026 — Sunday

From Honey Tea to the Bakery Search
Locations: Turmus Tea Room; Magistrate Office; Sabrina’s bakery; Kaellaed Rhode’s office; our Turmus home.
Times: SLT.
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JOURNAL ENTRY — RP
 I stopped by the Tea Room in the afternoon and found Lady Amira there. I did not think Odette was about, so I offered to bring her something. It turned out there was help already, though I had not seen everyone at first. When Aries arrived, I offered him tea and a pastry. He asked for honey tea, and Zill made enough for both of us. I had already eaten, so a cup of tea was just what I wanted.
 Amira told us that her family had come from the Oasis of Nine Wells to extend their trade beyond their homelands. She has opened a little shop selling things made with veminium oil, across from the stairs to the Lacum slave house. Aries said he would have to visit. I have not been there myself yet.
 I had just settled with my tea when Jakob came in with Beauty. He told Aries that Lady Seònai had found something that changed how we ought to look at the previous day’s incident. Aries asked us to continue privately at the Magistrate Office and invited me along. I took one last sip and straightened my skirt. So much for a quiet afternoon over tea.
 At the office, I read through the Physician’s findings while Aries and Jakob spoke. The women had first been detained for what appeared to be public drunkenness. Now there was reason to investigate whether their drink had been tampered with. I asked for the original incident report. It seemed important to have the responding Warrior’s account alongside what the women remembered later and what the Physician had found. Jakob gave us the Warrior’s name: Anvar Vermax.
 I went with them to Sabrina’s bakery and kept my hands off everything. Aries asked me to write down what he did, so I took his pen and parchment and moved where I could see without getting in his way. Kaellaed Rhode arrived while we were there. I had meant to be finished with city work by the time he came on, but I could hardly leave in the middle of taking notes. He stayed nearby and let me finish. Jakob congratulated us on our upcoming companionship, and I told him this would be our third and invited him to come on the nineteenth at five. Then I went back to writing.
 The suspected bottle turned up on top of the refuse in a barrel by the rear door. I noted where it lay and how Aries handled it, then recorded what he did with the stained cloth. The bottle may tell us something once Lady Seònai examines it. Until then, it is a suspected bottle, and the red staining does not tell us what was in the drink or who put it there.
 Once the search was over, I sorted the notes and sent them to Aries. It felt good to tell Kaellaed Rhode I was finally off the clock. He said he was proud of me, which was lovely to hear. I told him I like working with Aries. When he asks what I think, I can lay out the options and leave the decision with him. That is the kind of work I enjoy. I would rather earn people’s trust by helping them do their work well.
 I told Kaellaed Rhode I had sent Bluesaint another message about the music. I have been working on songs for the celebration and want to know whether he can play them. Then we went home so I could show him the kitchen. The counter that had been nearly up to my shoulders is closer to my waist now, and there are two beds in the kitchen. He liked the new dining table too. It can be set for two, four, or six, and I am looking forward to sitting down to a meal together. He was tired after a long day, so we ended the evening with a hug and a goodnight.
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MEETING / CONVERSATION RECORD
2:26–3:19 p.m. — Tea Room — Amira, Aries, Kati, Zill, and Davi; Jakob and Beauty arrived near the end (RP)
 Zill served honey tea to Aries and me and brought Aries a pastry. Amira introduced herself as Amira bint Khalid al-Kavar and said her father wanted to expand trade beyond their homelands. She described her veminium oil shop and gave directions. At about 3:11 p.m., Jakob told Aries that Lady Seònai’s findings substantially changed the previous day’s matter. Aries asked Jakob, Beauty, and me to join him at the Magistrate Office for privacy.
3:21–3:54 p.m. — Magistrate Office — Aries, Jakob, Beauty, and Kati (RP)
 Aries recapped that Sabrina and Freya had been detained after appearing intoxicated in public and that he had released them to Jakob’s custody. Jakob identified Freya as Sabrina’s younger half-sister and handed Aries two sealed medical scrolls. He said the women’s initial account that a man ordered them to drink proved unreliable once they were sober. Aries clarified that he did not mean they had lied deliberately.
 According to Jakob, Lady Seònai found alcohol, kanda, and suspected tassa. He said Sabrina recalled receiving the corked bottle in a crate from Port Victoria and storing it under the bakery counter until the sisters celebrated their newly confirmed kinship. Freya described a foul-tasting juice; the base drink had not been identified. Jakob asked that, once the contents were confirmed, the matter be reclassified as suspected poisoning and the women treated as possible victims. No reclassification or ruling was recorded.
 I asked whether an incident report existed and who had responded. Aries believed the responding Warrior was preparing one, and Jakob identified him as Anvar Vermax. I said I would check with Selia if I could not locate him. Aries and Jakob agreed to collect the suspected bottle and cups, using cloth and a lidded crate to limit handling.
3:58–5:19 p.m. — Sabrina’s bakery — Aries led the search; Kati recorded it (RP)
 Aries noted the layout before searching. Jakob said the bakery appeared to have been cleaned and that Froggy was unavailable to ask what had been moved. He gave Aries permission to search and kept clear of the work area. I took over the notes at Aries’s request around 4:23 p.m. Beauty was asked to keep onlookers outside while the evidence was secured.
 At about 4:45 p.m., Aries lifted the lid of the refuse barrel by the rear service entrance and saw a dark, corked bottle with a faded label lying diagonally on top of the refuse. Jakob asked that it be recorded as the suspected bottle pending identification. At about 5:04 p.m., Aries lifted it without opening it, wrapped it, and braced it with a divider in the crate. He then used a separate strip of cloth to sample damp spots in the refuse. The cloth stained red. Although Jakob had suggested sealing the sample apart from the bottle, Aries placed it in the same crate and secured the lid. Aries took custody of the crate. The log records two cup objects being sent to him out of character; it does not establish that the original cups were identified or secured in character.
 Aries said he might wait for Lady Seònai’s findings before interviewing Sabrina and Freya. Jakob said both women were resting under guard at his home and that he would make them available. He also pointed out that Melita said she had seen part of the previous day’s events. The extent of what she witnessed had yet to be established. I returned the pen and parchment to Aries.
5:26–5:37 p.m. — Magistrate Office and Kaellaed Rhode’s office — Follow-up (RP)
 Aries sealed a message for Lady Seònai and directed Melita to deliver it. Delivery and test results were not confirmed in this log. By 5:37 p.m., I told Kaellaed Rhode I had organized the search notes and sent them to Aries.
5:37–6:12 p.m. — Kaellaed Rhode’s office and our Turmus home — Evening conversation (mixed RP/OOC)
 We discussed the investigation, how I work with Aries, and the upcoming celebration. I mentioned helping Jessika with a new cover page for her paper. I had sent Bluesaint a more detailed message about the songs, but had not yet spoken with him. At home, I showed Kaellaed Rhode the lowered counter, the two kitchen beds, and the new dining table.
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TO DO / FOLLOW-UP
☐ Locate Anvar Vermax’s incident report; check with Selia if needed.
☐ Follow up with Aries on Lady Seònai’s findings and any statement needed from Melita.
☐ Confirm whether the original cups can still be identified and whether Froggy can say what was moved during cleaning.
☐ Continue helping Jessika with the newspaper cover page.
☐ Follow up with Bluesaint about whether he can play the songs for the celebration.
Completed: Recorded the bakery search, organized my notes, and sent them to Aries.
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Labels:
Turmus,Journal,RP,OOC,Kaellaed Rhode,Aries,Jakob,Amira,Sabrina,Freya,Seònai,Tea Room,Bakery,Investigation,Evidence,Companionship,Kitchen,
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A Place for Quill and an Early Surprise

 November 7, 2026 — Saturday

A Place for Quill and an Early Surprise
Locations: My Victorian house outside Gor; Turmus Educational Hall; my Turmus house; pergola outside the Turmus Tavern.
Times: SLT.
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JOURNAL ENTRY
 Kael came by early this morning with a hug. We both said how much we had enjoyed the time at my other house yesterday. It is nice knowing we have somewhere to go when we want a break from the city. He had a council meeting and work to catch up on, but we planned to see each other around four. I told him the rest of my day could work around that.
 Before he left, he shared a handout and gave me the story of Susanna and the elders from Daniel. What interested him was the way people believed the elders because they were judges. Daniel questioned them separately, and their answers about the tree did not agree. That was what exposed the lie. I told Kael I would look it over while he was busy. I like that we are sharing things that matter to us.
 Later, I invited Naria to my Victorian house so we could speak privately, out of character. She told me what had happened with her former roleplay and what she would like to do if she came back. She enjoys household work, can read and write in Gor, and can keep herself busy. Her usual hours are later than Ink’s, which could work well. She wanted to remain belted, and I told her my girls are. I am hoping for someone who will stay for years, so I wanted us both to know what we were considering.
 I had been thinking of a light-haired girl named Quill to go with Ink. We tried different hair colors, and when she found the one I had imagined, I knew it right away. We talked about bringing Quill into Turmus as a new character, with a story that Father Wind had acquired her for me and she was sent to me after he went missing at sea. I told her I would get a bed ready and give her the blue outfit after she arrived. I am looking forward to having Ink and Quill, but Quill has yet to arrive and the papers still need to be done.
 No one came for my ten o’clock class, so I did not teach it. I never made it to get my nails done either. Instead, I spent time working on the kitchen at our Turmus house. I redid the walls, improved the counter, and gave the kitchen a better selection of food. I enjoyed fussing over it. I think Ink will like the changes.
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AFTERNOON AND TAVERN NIGHT — RP, WITH OOC CONVERSATION
 Kael came back just after three, nearly an hour earlier than I had expected. His council had approved the bylaws, and he still had the minutes to type. I was glad he had time to come see me. We went down to the tavern and sat under the pergola well before Tavern Night began. It was brisk, the colors were changing, and there was a cake that reminded him of a Yule log. I had not even noticed it at first. I was looking at him.
 The cake got us talking about holidays, turkey dinners, and the Beef Wellington he had made. We did get around to city business for a little while. I told him I had passed along a matter without reading it and that I did not know whether Nadia’s separate trial would go ahead. I had already told Kelli I would not defend her in that case. There was no news to settle it one way or the other.
 Mostly, I was happy to sit there with Kael. I told him about the kitchen and that I had got the television working at the Victorian house. He said there was something grounding about the little domestic things. I think he is right. It had been quiet in Turmus, and I told him I liked the quiet now that he was there. His coming back early was such a nice surprise that I told him it had made for a perfect day.
 When people began arriving for Tavern Night, we greeted Aries and Marcus. Lora brought Kael ale, then brought me mead at room temperature. I thanked her and released her. Kael teased me about my northern roots when he realized I had chosen mead over tea. I just like mead. Augustus stopped to greet us before going inside. Kael hugged me before leaving to rest and said he would try to return. I was glad we had gone down early and had so much of the afternoon to ourselves.
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MEETING / CONVERSATION RECORD
6:56–7:27 a.m. — Morning visit — Kael and Kati (mixed RP/OOC)
 We talked about the previous evening at the Victorian house and agreed it was a good place to take a break from Turmus. Kael said he had a council meeting at 10:00 a.m., papers to print, and office work to catch up on. I mentioned my own 10:00 a.m. class and that I had not booked a nail appointment. Before leaving, Kael confirmed our plan to meet around 4:00 p.m. SLT.
 Kael shared a one-page handout and gave me a copy of Susanna and the Elders — Daniel 13. He explained that the elders’ standing as judges made their accusation seem credible until Daniel questioned them separately and exposed the contradiction in their testimony. He described it as the difference between trusting a person’s rank and testing what the person says. I said I would read the material while he was busy.
7:39–9:24 a.m. — Victorian house — Naria and Kati (private OOC planning)
 Previous roleplay: Naria said Lib and Domino had rented her when she arrived in Turmus, that she later served Lady Melody, and that she left after Melody departed. She said she believed Ramius had a claim on her former character through his companionship with Melody. This was her account of that storyline; we did not review papers or resolve the old character’s status.
 Household fit: Naria said she was usually available from around noon SLT until bedtime, including weekends as her schedule allowed. She described herself as domestically trained, able to read and write in Gor, and comfortable keeping her own task notecards and creating roleplay without constant direction. She also reported infirmary training but did not expect to return to the Turmus infirmary. She asked to remain belted, and I said that was already the practice with my girls. I told her about my upcoming companionship with Kael and explained that I needed someone dependable who would stay out of trouble.
 Proposed arrival as Quill: We discussed a fresh character, the name Quill, a lighter hair color, and an arrival story in which Wind had acquired her for me before going missing at sea. She asked for about a week to arrange her name change. We planned for her to arrive in something other than the blue household outfit, which I would give her afterward. I said I would prepare a bed, and we discussed updating her profile and overhead sign to fit the new role. The conversation established a plan; no arrival or completed registration took place that morning.
10:00 a.m. — Educational Hall — Scheduled Saturday class
 The scheduled lesson was #11, Law on Gor: Why the Rules Differ Between Cities. At 4:06 p.m., I told Kael that no one had come, so I did not give the lesson. No replacement date was agreed.
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3:07–4:29 p.m. — Turmus house and tavern pergola — Kael and Kati (mixed RP/OOC)
 Kael arrived at about 3:07 p.m., ahead of our planned time. He said his council had approved its bylaws and that he needed to type up the minutes he had taken. I told him I had spent part of the day working on the kitchen. We sat under the pergola and talked about holiday meals, the house, and having time together before the event. I also told him, out of character, that the television at the Victorian house was working.
 Magistrate matters: When Kael asked about cases, I said I had forwarded one matter without reading it. I also said I did not know if Nadia’s separate trial would go forward and that I had already informed Kelli I would not act as her Advocate. No hearing decision or new legal assignment came out of this conversation.
4:54–5:49 p.m. — Turmus Tavern and outside seating — Tavern Night (RP, with an OOC seating reminder)
 The announced event was hosted by Aries, with DJ Maxx Wise. Aries explained to Vitoria that Free Women could sit outside but were not permitted inside the tavern. Kael and I greeted Aries and Marcus from the outside seating. Lora served Kael ale and brought me room-temperature mead, which I accepted before releasing her.
 News discussed nearby: Litonya said she intended to make Turmus her home and spoke about her origins in the Barrens. Augustus discussed threats of war from Selnar and allied northern villages, saying he had heard of no battles. He showed Litonya the proclamation he had received and said Ubar Vulcan had confirmed it was genuine. Augustus said Turmus was prepared if attacked, though he considered a raid unlikely. This was Augustus’s account at the tavern; I took no action on it.
 Kael hugged me at about 5:49 p.m. and left to rest, saying he would try to come back. A later return is not shown in this log.
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TO DO / FOLLOW-UP
☐ Read Kael’s handout and revisit the story of Susanna and the elders.
☐ Prepare a bed and set aside the blue household outfit for Quill.
☐ Confirm Quill’s arrival plans after her name change, then complete her registration paperwork when she arrives.
☐ Decide whether to offer the missed Law on Gor lesson again.
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Labels:
Turmus,Journal,RP,OOC,Kael,Ink,Quill,Wind,Aries,Augustus,Lora,Victorian House,Educational Hall,Law on Gor,Kitchen,Tavern Night,Companionship,
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Blackwine and a Quiet Place of Our Own

November 6, 2026 — Friday
Blackwine and a Quiet Place of Our Own
Locations: Turmus Tea Room; Magistrate Office and Educational Hall (bell removals); my private Second Life house away from Turmus.
Times: SLT.
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JOURNAL ENTRY — RP
 Nadia met me early this morning and came along to the Tea Room for a little company. She noticed the room had been rearranged. I liked the change; my corner felt a bit more private, even if Nadia thought it had already been private enough. We had barely settled in when a man named Grogbeard wandered over, blamed the tavern rum for his condition, and asked us to dance. I told him we had just sat down for blackwine and that my intended would not want me dancing with someone else. Nadia took her leave, and Grogbeard knocked over some furniture on his way out. So much for a quiet beginning.
 I took down the bells I had put up at the Educational Hall and Magistrate Office after someone complained about the school bell when classes resumed after the festival. It frustrated me that something which had been in use for months had to come down, while the butcher’s display beside places where people eat was still there. I was glad to have a little corner where I could sit by myself for a while.
 When Odette brought my blackwine, she asked what I thought of the new Tea Room layout. I told her it was pretty, although I could still see a bit of the hanging carcasses through the lattice. She thought a solid panel would make it too dark and suggested I sit with my back to them or try the couch. She knows how much I like the swing, though. She told me she had labeled its pieces and drawn instructions so it could be rebuilt after the move. I told her it must have survived the move just fine, as I had not hit the floor yet.
 I told Odette I missed Kael. She reminded me how much he works and that I must let him see to what he needs to do. Then she spoke of missing her own former companion and wondering whether she might companion again. She wants someone she can trust to watch over her interests without asking her to give up the Tea Room or the women’s Dance Circle. I understood why those things matter to her. It is a blessing to sit and talk with other women, and I still wish I knew how to get more of them to join us.
 The morning had one more surprise. A man named Phoenix came for water in a blue kilt so short I hardly knew where to look. I kept my eyes on the floor and finally moved away from the swing. Odette brought him water, and he apologized and left. Later she told me he had come back with a baby bosk. She told him the animal would have to stay outside.
 Kael arrived wearing the warmer outfit I had given him. It suited him, and I showed him mine while Odette fetched his mint tea. I told him about the visitors and the school bell. He asked whether anything had come of the encounter with the man in the kilt and reminded me that my work was to adjudicate, not make arrests. Then he was off to work again. He said he would be late and that I should not stay up if I was tired. I asked when he thought he might be back, but he did not give me a time before he left. I was glad to have seen him, even briefly.
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PERSONAL JOURNAL — OOC
 To my surprise, Kael and I had much of the afternoon together at my other house. It took a little while to get settled. Half the house was missing from my screen until I restarted, and his outfit was giving him trouble. Once we finally sat down, though, we liked how cozy it felt. I told him I had meant to share the place with someone and that it looked as though that someone would be him. There is no veil to hide behind there. We can just sit and be ourselves.
 We did talk about Turmus. Kael encouraged me to give myself time in the Assistant Magistrate role. I told him that what I most wanted to concentrate on now was building something good with him. Later, when I said that sitting together like this felt a long time in the making, he thought I was talking about my work again. I had to tell him I meant us, right there on the couch. We talked about going dancing another day. There is time. We did not need to do everything today.
 We went over the ceremony as well. The invitations were made but still needed to go out, I had not spoken with Ella a second time about decorations, and music was the next thing on my list. Selia had given me two names, Jay and Bluesaint. I had left a message for Blue but had not yet spoken with him. For now, I was thinking of background music; there was no dance plan settled. Kael wanted to make sure he had something to wear for both the ceremony and the reception, and I told him I was still looking at options that would go with mine.
 What I will remember most is how easily we talked. We spoke of Fina and Svago, of things we had each been through away from the screen, and of what justice means when applying a rule to the letter might do someone an injustice. I told him how much my years of reading the Bible have shaped the way I try to live and the judgments I make in Gor. We talked about loving God and our neighbors, and about getting up and trying again when we fall short. It felt good to be able to tell him pieces of my story and hear some of his.
 I told him this was the most relaxed I could remember being with him. I enjoy the little visits when he can pop in, but having enough time to let the conversation wander was something I had been missing. I told him it was what I needed: quiet, gentle time. We agreed this could be somewhere to come when we needed a break from Turmus.
 After we said goodnight, Aries helped me set up the television. My first attempt opened a black screen with a “Not found” message. It turned out I had pasted the room link twice. Once we corrected that, Aries could see the Minecraft test video, and I eventually got it to fill the screen. So now Kael and I really can watch something together another day.
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MEETING / CONVERSATION RECORD
3:20–3:36 a.m. — Tea Room — Nadia, Kati, and Grogbeard (RP)
 Nadia accepted my invitation to keep me company and commented on the redecorated room. Grogbeard appeared unsteady, complained about the tavern rum, and invited both of us to dance. I declined, saying we had just sat down for blackwine and referring to my intended. Nadia said we could speak later and left. Grogbeard departed shortly afterward, knocking over chairs and tables as he went.
4:08 a.m. — Magistrate Office and Educational Hall — Bell removal (OOC note)
 I recorded that I had removed both bells I had installed. The complaint I mentioned concerned the Educational Hall bell after classes resumed following the festival. I did not record a separate complaint about the office bell or a decision about what would replace either bell.
4:28–7:11 a.m. — Tea Room — Odette and Kati; Phoenix and Kael joined at separate times (RP)
 Layout: I said the new arrangement looked pretty and suggested solid screening where I could still see the butcher’s display. Odette said that would make the space too dark and offered the couch or sitting with my back to the display as alternatives. She explained how she had labeled and documented the swing for reassembly. No additional change was agreed.
 Companionship and the Dance Circle: I said I missed Kael because of how much he worked. Odette spoke about missing her former companion, considering companionship again, and wanting someone she could trust with her interests. She stressed the importance of retaining her Tea Room and Dance Circle. I encouraged her to make her interest known if she wanted to meet someone and said I wished more women would join us. No arrangements were made.
 Visitor, 6:17–6:42 a.m.: Phoenix asked for water, and Odette brought it from the fountain. I moved seats because I was uncomfortable with how little his kilt covered. He apologized and left. Later, Odette said he returned with a baby bosk and told him to leave it outside. No arrest or case was recorded.
 Kael’s visit, 6:41–7:02 a.m.: Kael asked whether the butcher had relocated; I said he was still there. We discussed his new outfit, the visitors, the bell complaint, and my role as Assistant Magistrate. Kael said he expected to be late that evening and advised me not to wait up if tired. I asked for an approximate time; none was given before he left. Odette later left to run errands for the Tea Room and Dance Circle.
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2:29–7:01 p.m. — Private Second Life house — Kael and Kati (OOC, with affectionate emotes)
 Time together: After resolving some display and outfit issues, we spent the afternoon at the house. I said I wanted to share it with him as a retreat from Turmus. We agreed it felt comfortable and that we could return when we wanted a break. We discussed watching movies and going dancing another day.
 City work: Kael expressed concerns about Aries’s public conduct. I said I had mixed feelings and still needed to work with him as Assistant Head of Caste. Kael said he might speak to Kelli if the situation worsened; no report was made in this conversation. He advised me to give the Assistant Magistrate role time. We also shared our personal impressions of the Nadia trial; no new finding or action resulted.
 Ceremony planning: I confirmed I had spoken with William and Selia about William being permitted to conduct the service. The invitation was ready but had not gone out. A second discussion with Ella about decorations was still pending. I had left a message for Bluesaint but had not yet spoken with him. Jay and Bluesaint were the two names Selia had given me. Kael suggested asking Nick about DJs; I explained that I was working from Selia’s list and was considering background music. Kael asked for ceremony and reception outfits, and I said I was still looking at options to coordinate with mine.
 Weekend plans: Kael estimated he might be available Saturday, November 7, around 4:00 p.m. SLT, and expected to be around Sunday, November 8, by about 5:00 p.m. SLT. I said I would be around Sunday. Saturday was tentative; we did not choose a specific activity for Sunday.
 Faith and judgment: Kael asked how I thought about justice when applying the letter of a rule could lead to an unjust result. I explained that years of Bible study had shaped both my personal conduct and my decisions as a Magistrate in Gor. We spoke about loving God and one’s neighbor, human shortcomings, and continuing to try to do better.
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7:10–7:43 p.m. — Private house — Television setup with Aries; Uli present at the start (OOC)
 Aries walked me through enabling media, opening Kosmi Synchronized Viewing, and setting my room under “My Lobby.” The first attempt failed with a “Not found” message because the room link had been pasted twice. I reset the lobby with the corrected link. Aries confirmed he could see the Minecraft test video at about 7:26 p.m., and I got the enlarged view working by about 7:40 p.m. He also showed me how to minimize the chat pane. Shared playback worked; we did not test a full movie.
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TO DO / FOLLOW-UP
☐ Send the companionship invitations.
☐ Follow up with Ella about decorations.
☐ Speak with Bluesaint about music; check with Jay if needed. Decide what music to use once the arrangements are clear.
☐ Continue looking for coordinated outfits for Kael for the ceremony and reception.
☐ Keep Sunday evening free to spend time with Kael, around 5:00 p.m. SLT.
Completed: Removed both bells; set up and tested shared television playback with Aries.
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Labels:
Turmus,Journal,RP,OOC,Nadia,Odette,Kael,Aries,Tea Room,Educational Hall,Magistrate Office,Bells,Companionship,Private House,Faith,Music,Television,
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Cinnamon Bread, Hammer-Song, and Waiting Papers

 November 5, 2026 — Thursday

Cinnamon Bread, Hammer-Song, and Waiting Papers
Locations: Tea Room and courtyard; home; Educational Hall; Magistrate Office.
Times: SLT.
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JOURNAL ENTRY
I began the morning at Odette’s, asking whether she had blackwine ready. She had fresh cinnamon bread too, and I asked for a slice. The beans still needed grinding, but I was in no hurry. It was nice to sit while she prepared everything, humming to herself in the kitchen.
Much of the morning went into trying different arrangements for the Tea Room. The butcher’s display had made sitting there less pleasant, and I wanted us to have somewhere comfortable again. I suggested moving the seating into the middle section, changing the table’s position, and screening behind the swing. We tried different places for things until the room began to feel inviting again.
Odette did not want it entirely walled in. She explained that the lattice was only screening, giving an impression of privacy while keeping an open appearance. I understood that. By the time we had finished discussing the seating and plant placement, I wanted to sit there again. She said she would work on the panel behind the swing so I would have two places where I felt comfortable.
Laela stopped and brought us some news. She had been caring for the shops of a man and his Physician companion while the woman was ill, and she spoke warmly about the rug maker. She was especially excited that Master Panner had agreed to let one of his poems appear in the next newspaper. It was lovely to hear her enthusiasm.
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I also met Vitoria, whom Odette hired for the Tea Room. She seemed surprised and delighted by the news. She said she had a special fondness for Scribes because one had once saved her life. That sounds like a story I would enjoy hearing when there is time.
After going home to work on my table, I returned and found Aries and July there. I explained that I had found a light cream table I preferred to the brown one and was trying to have the house ready for the nineteenth. Aries asked whether Kael would move into my home after the companionship. I told him my house was larger, so we would live there. It will be our home.
We talked a little about office work too. Aries had not seen anything new in the mailbox. That was probably because I check it two or three times a day and pass things to the right person. The latest item had been addressed to Kelli, so I had sent it on to him.
Aries offered to buy me a pastry. Green tea was unavailable, so I chose Bazi tea, and July served the cinnamon buns after asking Aries which of us she should offer them to first. It was such a pleasant visit that I nearly forgot I had a class approaching. I gathered my pastry and headed up to the Educational Hall, inviting Aries to come along.
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The noon lesson was Metalworkers and the Forging of Gorean Weapons, the beginning of our next Crafts and Working Castes track. Carola, Aries, July, Dexter, and Ra were among those present. I was particularly pleased to see Ra, since it is valuable to hear from someone who actually plays the craft we are discussing.
We considered how much of a city depends on metalworking, from weapons to locks, tools, hinges, and household fittings. July asked an out-of-character question about the division of complicated work between Metal Workers and Builders. Carola suggested asking those who work in those roles. Aries said the smiths here often made locks, and Ra confirmed that they did. That was exactly the sort of local contribution I had hoped for.
The rest of the lesson covered the qualities of a useful blade, stages of making and inspecting it, workshop dangers, commissions, ownership, and the evidence needed when work or materials are disputed. I tried to keep clear which parts came from the books, which were reasonable explanations of a craft, and which depended on our own city’s practices.
Aries thanked me afterward and called the lesson informative. I was glad he had come.
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Nadia passed me later on her way to her shop. She said she was well, and we exchanged greetings.
Vitoria found her way up to the afternoon class, though she said it had been quite an adventure locating it. Her time was limited, and she asked about having notecards to read later rather than sitting through the lesson when it was just the two of us. I offered the material, but our recorded conversation ended before there was a clear answer about receiving it.
Afterward, I went to the office to work through the papers. I was five days behind and trying to catch up. July offered assistance, and I asked her to bring water. Then I became so absorbed in what I was doing that I failed to notice how long she had been waiting beside me with the glass.
When I finally took it, I apologized. She had wondered whether I was testing her, but I was simply buried in my work. Aries arrived during the wait and later assured me it was all right, though I was sorry to have kept her so long. There really is much to keep track of, and I need to remember to look up from the papers occasionally.
The law bookcase also refused me access. That is something I must have checked if I am to use it for my work.
Kael came by later and gave me a hug. It was a brief moment in the recorded day, but a welcome one after the paperwork.
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MEETING / CONVERSATION RECORD
4:29–8:42 a.m. — Tea Room — Odette and Kati; Laela visiting during the morning
Refreshments and rearrangement: Odette offered fresh cinnamon bread and prepared blackwine. I suggested moving the seating into the middle section, relocating a table, changing the swing’s position, and making a solid screen behind it. We discussed plant placement and the moved sign. Odette said she preferred an open appearance and that the lattice was temporary screening rather than a permanent enclosure. At 8:41 a.m., she said she would work on the panel behind the swing. We both expressed satisfaction with the arrangement being tried.
Butcher dispute: Odette said Gro had refused to move the carcasses from the wall adjoining the Tea Room entrance, causing her to rearrange the room. This records her account of their disagreement; no new order or settlement with Gro occurred in our conversation.
Laela’s news, approximately 6:25–6:38 a.m.: Laela said she was looking after the premises of a man and his Physician companion while the woman recovered from illness. She described keeping their places clean and secure and keeping them informed. She also praised the rug maker’s work and temperament and said she sometimes helped sell rugs.
Laela reported that the newspaper’s editor had allowed her to submit poetry she had collected from Master Panner and that he had agreed to publication of a poem in the next edition. She expected to meet him again to receive more work. Odette said she intended to visit the rug shop.
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8:47–8:55 a.m. — Tea Room — Odette, Vitoria, and Kati
Odette told Vitoria she was hired based on her qualifications and introduced us. Vitoria expressed surprise and gratitude and said a Scribe had once saved her life, offering to tell that story another time.
Odette explained that blackwine was priced at 25 coppers following a favorable arrangement with her supplier. She also said she bought four dozen pastries each morning from the bakery and would provide further information about them. I left to restart because some furnishings were not appearing correctly on my screen.
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10:37–11:44 a.m. — Tea Room — Aries, July, Vitoria, and Kati
Home and ceremony: I explained that I had been changing my dining table to a light cream one and preparing the house for November 19. Aries asked whether Kael would live there. I confirmed that my house was larger and would become our shared home. July offered congratulations and asked about more children; no answer to that question is recorded.
Office correspondence: Aries said he had not seen new mailbox items. I explained that I checked two or three times daily and forwarded correspondence to its intended recipient. The latest item had been addressed to Kelli and had already been passed to him.
Refreshments and service: Vitoria said green tea was unavailable and offered Bazi, mint, honey, or spice tea. I chose Bazi. Aries ordered three cinnamon buns and offered mine as his treat. Vitoria quoted six coppers for the pastries and two coppers for my tea. The recorded transaction confirms Aries sent six coppers to Odette; my tea payment is not shown in this exchange.
When July asked about serving order, Aries instructed her to offer him a bun first, then me, before taking her own. I accepted mine, thanked her, and released her. Vitoria described July as well behaved when Aries asked for her assessment. Aries later asked me to rate the service, but no direct rating from me is recorded before I remembered class and left.
Class invitation: I told Aries the lesson concerned Metal Workers and invited him to attend. He described it as an important caste.
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Noon–12:47 p.m. — Educational Hall — Metalworkers and the Forging of Gorean Weapons
Teacher: Lady Kati Evans. Recorded attendees included: Carola Aromata, Aries Marchese, July Foxglove, Ra, and Dexter Winters.
Lesson scope: Introduced Track Two of Level Two, Crafts and Working Castes. Explained the importance of Metal Workers to warfare, agriculture, trade, transport, buildings, security, and household life. Distinguished examples established in the novels from craft explanations and locally adopted procedures.
Division of work, 12:17–12:23 p.m.: July explicitly asked out of character whether complicated smaller items such as locks and keys would be made by Low Caste artisans or Builders. Carola suggested consulting people who played Metal Workers or Builders. I said responsibilities could depend on the city, specialist, and object involved. Aries said Turmus smiths often made locks for roleplay purposes. Ra confirmed that they did. I thanked Aries and welcomed Ra’s contribution.
Weapons and manufacture: Discussed the short sword’s use in close combat and the need for sound material, an effective edge, resistance to breakage, balance, and secure fittings. Presented a simplified sequence of material selection, heating, shaping, heat treatment, finishing, fitting, and inspection. Identified that sequence as a teaching framework, not a quotation or universal Gorean ritual.
Workshop practice: Covered hazards from heat, sparks, smoke, heavy stock, sharp edges, and unsecured weapons. Explained why orderly work and records matter when investigating a failed commission: who supplied the metal, who performed the work, later alterations, maintenance, and circumstances of failure.
Commissions and ownership: Discussed recording the object, supplied materials, promised qualities, decoration, delivery, price, and acceptance. Distinguished possession for repair from ownership and noted that disposal of scrap should follow the agreement or local practice.
Authority and evidence: Explained that weapon-making can raise security concerns without establishing a universal weapons-permit rule. Emphasized identifying ownership, authorization, representations, and the law or agreement governing a dispute. Distinguished copied marks, stolen materials, concealed defects, and failure to deliver rather than treating them as one accusation.
Closing, 12:43–12:47 p.m.: Invited further questions. Aries, Dexter, and July had none recorded. I said I had hoped to hear more from Ra; he had contributed earlier, but no further response from him appears at the close. Aries thanked me and called the class informative. The session ended at approximately 12:47 p.m.
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2:43–2:44 p.m. — Passing conversation — Nadia and Kati
Exchanged greetings. Nadia said she was well and was going to her shop. No case discussion or new instruction occurred.
4:00–4:05 p.m. — Educational Hall — Vitoria and Kati
Vitoria arrived for the afternoon session and asked about seating and duration because her available time was limited. I offered the lesson material. She suggested reading notecards later if we were the only people attending and asked whether the subject was still smuggling and illicit trading. The scheduled subject was Metalworkers and the Forging of Gorean Weapons. The log does not record a full afternoon lecture or confirm delivery of the notecards.
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4:31–5:18 p.m. — Magistrate Office — July, Aries, and Kati
July offered assistance as I headed to the office, and I requested water. She arrived with the glass at approximately 4:39 p.m. and waited silently while I worked. At 4:57 p.m., she spoke to draw my attention to it. Aries entered at 4:58 p.m. and noticed her waiting.
I took the water at 5:01 p.m. and dismissed her. I explained that I had become absorbed in papers and was five days behind. Out of character, I clarified that the delay had not been a test. Aries praised July’s patience and service. I apologized to him for keeping her, and he said it was all right and that he had also been working. July said she was pleased to serve a member of her Master’s caste.
Access problem, 5:02 p.m.: Firefly’s Law Bookcase refused access, stating that I was not on its access list. The log records no correction to that permission.
5:44 p.m. — Kael and Kati: Kael gave me a hug. No further conversation is recorded at that time.
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TO DO / FOLLOW-UP
☐ Ask the appropriate person to check my access to Firefly’s Law Bookcase.
☐ Continue working through the outstanding paperwork.
☐ Confirm whether Vitoria received the Metalworkers lesson notecards and provide them if needed.
☐ Follow up with Odette on the panel behind the swing if further help is wanted.
Completed today: Assisted with Tea Room layout discussions; delivered the noon Metalworkers lesson; forwarded the latest correspondence addressed to Kelli.
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