A New Face, a Salt Dispute, and Lessons Ahead

Regions: Turmus,Olni

Events: Welcoming Freya of Thentis,Morning Blackwine,Salt Bounty Discussion,Class Calendar Work

A Visitor Lost Beneath Turmus

My day began early in Turmus, where I met a visibly upset woman who had found her way into the maze beneath the city. She introduced herself as Freya Moonchild of Thentis and blamed the Harbor Master, Zino, for telling her to explore without warning her about what she might find below. She had feared that she would not make her way out again.

After she had calmed, Freya explained that Zino had suggested she might find business opportunities in Turmus. The passage had been inexpensive, so she decided to visit. She complimented the city and told me that she belonged to the Slavers’ Caste. Her business at her Home Stone had declined because of circumstances she did not fully explain, and she was considering some form of import and export trade involving rarities.

The city’s slaver was not expected to be available for some time, and Carola was busy, so I offered Freya a beverage and led her to the inn. I showed her the restaurant, the rooms, and the place where several of us free women gather for blackwine in the mornings. I told her that four of us could sit comfortably before we needed to add more chairs.

Freya spoke warmly of Thentis and admitted that blackwine was one of the things she missed most while traveling. I told her she would be welcome to join us, since we always enjoy speaking with women from other cities.

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Blackwine with Freya and Carola

Carola arrived a short time later, and I introduced the two women. Freya explained that she had not yet arranged passage back to Thentis and might remain in Turmus for a while. Carola and I both encouraged her to stay.

Freya had no intention of sleeping aboard the Harbor Master’s ship. Carola warned that doing so could compromise a free woman and advised her to ignore unwanted advances. I offered Freya the inn room bearing the reserved sign, explaining that it had once been my room. She accepted the suggestion and said she hoped to continue exploring Turmus over the next several days.

After Freya left, Carola admitted that she could not quite understand her. Freya did not behave as roughly as Carola expected of a slaver, and Carola wondered whether she might be in disguise. Carola also observed that Turmus needed active merchants who understood their products more than it needed another slaver or another member of the High Castes.

I thought Freya seemed pleasant and interested in becoming involved in the city. Whatever her full story might be, I saw no harm in being friendly and allowing her actions to reveal her intentions in time.

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Laela’s Messenger Story

Laela joined us and spoke excitedly about a story she was developing with Master Cooper. They were considering how a scroll girl might carry a message from one city to another while stepping beyond the most familiar stories and customs.

Laela had considered tunnels, hiding aboard a departing wagon, or even sending a vulo. Carola explained that city tunnels would not ordinarily connect distant cities and that a kajira traveling alone would face serious danger. She suggested that the girl might disguise herself as a she-urt, since such a lowly free woman might travel without drawing the same attention as a richly dressed woman without a male guard.

Laela loved the idea and hurried to add it to the possibilities for the story. I had to step away for part of the discussion, but it was enjoyable to hear her imagination at work when I returned.

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The Great Drama of Soap—and Salt

Pandora Audax arrived and greeted us before turning her attention to Carola. She announced that Carola had become famous and referred to an article and a wanted poster concerning the origin of the salt Carola sold.

Carola insisted that she had never claimed her salt came from a particular southern oasis or that it was mined in the Tahari. Her price list merely described red salt from deep inland pits and mines, transported by caravans across plains and deserts. Pandora agreed that the list did not name the disputed oasis, but advised Carola to seek protection from the city guard because a mercenary might attempt to collect the bounty whether the accusation was true or not.

Pandora teased that, if Carola were taken and sold for one gold tarsk, she might buy her and perhaps free her once the paperwork was finished. Carola was not amused. She intended to continue selling her salt and planned to consult a Magistrate about the wanted notice.

When Carola asked me who the best Magistrate in Turmus was now that I had retired, I named Kelli. When she asked for the second best, I suggested Marcus and noted that Aries was still new. Carola decided to leave a message for Marcus and ask for a meeting.

Pandora departed after giving Laela a bar of her “best soap in Gor.” I could only observe that the encounter had been different and wonder aloud who knew there could be so much drama in soap. Carola quickly corrected me: the dispute was about salt.

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Checking the Class Calendars

I spent much of the remaining day checking and adjusting the public class-calendar boards in Turmus and Olni. The two cities use different teaching schedules: Olni’s board showed Saturday classes at noon and Tuesday and Thursday classes at 2:00 p.m., while Turmus showed Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday classes at noon and 4:00 p.m.

I traveled briefly to Olni in the morning to examine its board, returned to Turmus, and later made another quick comparison between the two. Several board refreshes showed the schedule expanding through October 10. I also turned off the date headers on the Turmus display and worked on updating lesson titles.

One important title changed from The Administrator: Office, Authority, and Responsibility to Administrator and Ubar: Civil Rule and the Rule of War. The September 10 display, however, showed The Slave Market: Inspection, Bidding, and Sale at noon while the 4:00 p.m. event still showed Weights, Measures, and Merchant Scales. That remaining mismatch will need to be checked.

The calendar work took many small adjustments, but the boards were beginning to show the fuller progression of lessons planned for the coming months.

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Meeting Summaries

No formal meetings were held today.

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To Do

• Welcome Freya again if she returns and confirm that the reserved inn room is available for her.

• Introduce Freya to appropriate merchant contacts if she decides to establish a business in Turmus.

• Ask whether Carola was able to meet with Marcus about the wanted notice and salt accusation.

• Correct or confirm the September 10 Turmus calendar entries so the noon and 4:00 p.m. class titles agree.

• Compare the remaining Olni and Turmus calendar dates, titles, and city-specific teaching times.

Standards, Companionships, and Quiet Hopes

Regions: Turmus,Shades of Turmus,Thunder Mountain

Events: Free Women’s Dance Planning Meeting,Weights and Measures Class,Double Free Companionship Ceremony,Evening Visits

Plans for Dance and Learning

I met with Odette Atheria and Willow during the morning. We first gathered in Turmus, where Nerine offered to serve us. Odette explained that our meeting might include OOC information and was intended only for the free women, so Nerine was dismissed with our good wishes. Once Willow arrived, Odette took us to a private dance circle in the Shades of Turmus.

The place had once been used for solo slave-dance competitions, but it also contained an older free dance HUD that still worked. Odette explained that many free women do not own dance HUDs or know how to use them. Willow was familiar with Spot On, choreography movers, Stage Manager, and Performance Director, while I admitted that I had never used a dance HUD.

We also spoke of Luella, whom none of us had heard from recently. Odette said Luella had returned home after being ill, but had not been seen online. We all hoped she would be able to return soon.

The discussion then turned toward possible dance classes. Odette suggested beginning with the basics: animation priorities, why an AO sometimes must be turned off, how to place dances into a HUD, how to create sequences, and where to find good free dances. Willow offered to help teach and said she would also be glad to attend a class taught by Pinx Mosely, who knows the Spot On system well.

Odette suggested that free-woman dance classes might be offered through my Educational Hall, perhaps with help from Pinx or BilliAnn. I agreed that the Hall could be used as long as someone else taught the classes. Odette told me to take one of the free HUDs and offered to teach me how to use it when we had time.

The rain and thunder began while we were meeting, frightening my dogs and making it difficult for me to follow everything. I explained that I had been so focused on preparing my lessons and dealing with my surgeries that I had not given much thought to what I might like to learn. Even so, the proposed beginner class sounded useful, and I left the meeting amused by Odette’s description of me as “a sponge for education of any type.”

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Teaching Weights and Measures

At noon I taught Weights and Measures: Ensuring Fair Trade in the Turmus Educational Hall. Storm and Ubara Selia attended.

This was the next lesson in Level 2’s first track, Trade, Markets, and Commercial Life. I explained that fair trade requires a shared standard, an appropriate measuring instrument, honest use of that instrument, and a record or witness capable of proving what the parties agreed to exchange.

The lesson began with the official Stone and Merchant Foot standards kept near the Sardar. From there, we examined the Stone and Weight; the hort, Merchant Foot, pasang, ah-il, and ah-ral; the tef, tefa, and huda; and the talu and other liquid measures. We also discussed how dishonest weights, false instruments, altered methods, or misleading descriptions could affect a transaction, while remembering that an inaccurate measurement does not by itself prove intentional fraud.

I ended with the five-step fair-measure test:

NAME → STANDARD → INSTRUMENT → METHOD → RECORD

Storm said that any questions he might have had were answered during the lecture. Ubara Selia had studied much of the material before and had no questions. Both thanked me for the class, and we ended shortly before 12:40 p.m.

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Two Free Companionships at Thunder Mountain

After class, I traveled to Thunder Mountain and witnessed a double Free Companionship ceremony conducted by Lady Jessika Roberts. Sir Frances Markova was joined with Lady Ceres, while Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was joined with Lady Myriam-Aliyah Aurelius Antonius.

Lady Jessika spoke of the traditions surrounding Free Companionship and placed flowers upon the women’s heads. Each couple answered questions concerning protection, fidelity, family responsibilities, honor, and the customs of their Home Stone. Veils were removed at different stages, and each person gave personal vows before the witnesses.

The couples then shared the wine of companionship, two drinking from one goblet. The remaining wine was returned to the ground as Lady Jessika spoke of life coming full circle. Fire, salt, and bread were presented as treasured rights of the Home Stone, now to be shared by each couple as one household rather than two separate people.

When both unions had been accepted in writing and before the gathered witnesses, Lady Jessika presented the newly joined couples. Those gathered applauded and offered their congratulations. It was a moving ceremony, made especially memorable by seeing two couples begin their companionships together.

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Friends from Olni

Later in Turmus, I was pleased to see Lady Huntsy Silverpath and Paul SpiritWeaver, both of whom I knew from Olni. Huntsy said she had been worried about me after the trouble involving the slaver and asked what had happened after the meeting. I told her that matters had quieted after I informed Kael that my father had refused him permission to court me.

Paul was unhappy with the way a woman of his Home Stone had been treated and said he would like to speak with the slaver. I told him that I had not seen the man since all the commotion. I also explained that, after so many years as a female Magistrate and High Magistrate, I had learned that the position sometimes brought out the worst in certain men. Some had threatened me with a collar, but none had ever succeeded in putting one on me.

Huntsy remained concerned that I traveled alone too often and reminded me that caution was still important. I assured her that I did my best to remain safe, and I offered to show her and Paul my Educational Hall and my house on a future visit.

As the evening continued, we spoke more personally. Kael had left Turmus and said he was going to Telnus, although Father later told me that he had never arrived there. It did not sound as if Kael wished to remain after Father refused to allow him to court me. Kael had told Izzy, one of Father’s men, that he was my intended before he had received either my agreement or Father’s permission. Father did not appreciate someone making such a claim about me without first speaking to him.

I explained that Wind is my third father. He had not been part of my life when Kael and I were companioned in either 2010 or 2019, and he does not know Kael. My first two fathers have passed away.

When Huntsy asked what I wanted, I answered honestly. I would like to find a good companion who does not have anger issues—someone easy to talk to, with good control of himself. I have spent most of my years as a Magistrate alone, and I would like something gentler and more dependable if I ever companion again.

Huntsy also asked whether I had made my report to Falconer after asking her to inform him. I could not remember whether I had included it when I wrote and had not yet seen him. Before she and Paul left, Huntsy promised to visit more often. I invited her to join the free women for blackwine one morning, and she said she would like that very much.

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Nerine’s Offer to Cook

After Huntsy and Paul departed, I joined Aries Marchese and Nerine. I learned that Nerine belongs to Magistrate Sebastian Riley, who lives nearby but travels often. Because she had been left alone without proper care, the slavers had arranged for her to sleep safely in the kennel.

Nerine had caught nine tuna in the last fishing contest and joked that she could prepare tuna steaks. She then said she could also make good bosk steaks and either fried or mashed suls. I admitted that I could use the help of a girl who cooks well, since I am often busy and never learned to cook very well myself. Nerine offered to prepare meals for me when needed, and I told her I would appreciate the assistance.

Amalia later joined us, and I told Aries about my visitors from Olni. Huntsy is a healer, although I could not remember Paul’s position at that moment. Aries hoped they had enjoyed their visit and might return for one of my classes. Since Huntsy had promised to come back often, I thought that was possible.

After wishing Aries, Nerine, and Amalia a good night, I wandered home shortly before eight in the evening.

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Meeting Summaries

Free Women’s Dance Planning Meeting

Time: Approximately 11:02–11:43 a.m.

Location: Private dance circle, Shades of Turmus

Attendees: Lady Kati Evans,Lady Odette Atheria,Lady Willow

Summary: We discussed creating beginner dance classes for free women. Proposed subjects included animation priorities, turning off an AO, adding dances to a HUD, creating sequences, and finding free dances. Pinx Mosely may be asked to prepare a class, and Willow offered her assistance. The Turmus Educational Hall may host the classes if another person teaches them. Odette also offered to help me learn to use the free dance HUD.

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Weights and Measures Class

Time: Approximately 12:03–12:40 p.m.

Location: Turmus Educational Hall

Teacher: Lady Kati Evans

Attendees: Storm,Ubara Selia

Summary: I taught the Level 2 lesson Weights and Measures: Ensuring Fair Trade, covering Gorean standards of mass, length, dry volume, and liquid volume; the Sardar reference standards; common forms of measurement error or fraud; and the five-step fair-measure test. Neither student had questions at the end.

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Double Free Companionship Ceremony

Time: Approximately 1:06–2:24 p.m.

Location: Thunder Mountain

Officiant: Lady Jessika Roberts

Companions: Sir Frances Markova and Lady Ceres; Marcus Aurelius Antoninus and Lady Myriam-Aliyah Aurelius Antonius

Other Named Witnesses: Lady Kati Evans,Lady Trinity Dangerfield,Nemesis,Ariana “Pippa” Krigerand,MORRIgan Fitheach,Nephtides na Neidos

Summary: The two couples exchanged pledges and personal vows, shared the wine of companionship, received fire, salt, and bread as joined households, and were presented to the gathered witnesses as Free Companions.

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To Do

• Decide whether to host free-woman dance classes in the Turmus Educational Hall once a teacher and schedule are confirmed.

• Ask Odette to show me how to use the free dance HUD.

• Confirm whether Falconer received my report concerning the earlier trouble.

• Arrange a future visit with Huntsy and Paul to show them the Educational Hall and my Turmus house.

• Follow up with Nerine when I need help preparing a meal.

Choosing Turmus, Teaching the Administrator, and Looking Ahead

Regions: Turmus,Olni

Events: Discussion with Kelli about my future in Turmus; resignation as Magistrate of Olni; two presentations of Class 83; evening conversation in Turmus

A Quiet Morning Before the Decisions

I began the day very early and spent part of the morning looking at new clothing and hairstyles. I found several blue outfits and a number of different hairstyles to try. It was a quiet beginning to what became a much more important day.

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Choosing Where I Belong

Later in the morning, I finally had the conversation with Kelli that I had been trying to arrange for several weeks. I told him that Turmus felt more like my home than Olni because people here actually spoke with me. I explained that I was only a resident of Olni and had never sworn to its Home Stone.

When Kelli asked whether I intended to become a citizen of Turmus, I told him I would be willing and that I liked it here. He said that once I had officially left Olni, we could discuss a position for me within the Scribe Caste of Turmus.

I told him plainly that I would rather be a Scribe who teaches in Turmus without the title of Magistrate than remain a Magistrate in Olni while preferring to live and work here. I was content to teach and serve as a Scribe, although I would also be willing to do more if Turmus had need of me. My father still has land on one of Olni's regions, so I may continue to visit him there.

Kelli made certain that I understood I would have to cut my official ties with Olni before Turmus could formally welcome me. I agreed and said I would tell Jarek that day, even if I had to do so by notecard. We arranged to meet again the following morning to discuss my future in Turmus after that had been done.

Before the noon class, I told Carola that I had submitted my resignation letter to the Ubar of Olni, resigning my position as Magistrate. She thought the decision seemed drastic at first, but after I explained that I had only been a resident of Olni and still might teach there or visit my father, she said the decision had merit. To me, it made little sense to carry an official title in a city where I was not a citizen when I preferred to live, teach, and serve in Turmus.

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Class 83 in Turmus

At noon, I taught Class 83 — The Administrator: Office, Authority, and Responsibility in Turmus. Ubar Bactu and Ubara Selia attended, along with Carola and Tasdron.

The lesson explained the Administrator as a book-supported civil office associated with ordinary civic government and the High Council. I described the Administrator as a bridge between policy and execution: receiving lawful decisions, verifying their authority, assigning work to the proper offices, preserving records, coordinating among Castes, and reporting the result.

The class became difficult but useful when Carola questioned whether the detailed administrative structure I was describing was actually supported by the books or whether it brought too much modern government into Gor. Tasdron then asked me to cite a passage supporting the lesson. I acknowledged that I did not have the book references with the class and would need to find the passages again.

The discussion then turned to the difference between an Administrator and an Ubar. I explained my understanding that an Ubar rules most directly in wartime, while an Administrator is associated with civic rule during peace and with carrying out the decisions of the High Council. Ubar Bactu added that the form of government depends upon the city. He said that some cities retain Ubars during peacetime, that an Administrator works for the High Council, and that a good Ubar may also consult the Council before making the final decision. He further stated that Port Kar has five Ubars controlling different parts of the city and identified his comments as BtB. I had not known that claim about Port Kar and thanked him for adding it; it will need to be checked against the books before I place it in the lesson.

I completed the class with the Administrator's five-step method:

RECEIVE → VERIFY → ASSIGN → RECORD → REPORT

The discussion made one need very clear: the lesson must include its book references and must distinguish direct BtB material from reasonable interpretation, local practice, and teaching examples.

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Teaching the Lesson Again in Olni

I returned to Olni for the two o'clock presentation of the same lesson. Stefania was waiting, while Falconer was delayed by role-play at the gate. I began once it became clear that he was coming but would be late.

This time I was more explicit that the detailed working model was a teaching aid unless established by local law. Stefania asked whether the Administrator worked with the Council and whether the office differed from that of an Ubar. Falconer observed that the hierarchy of the Red Caste can also vary from place to place. Later, he suggested that I use the word Council rather than the broader modern term government where that wording is more accurate.

Several others joined as the class continued, including libbi, sky, SaphRosie, and Cid. The class concluded with the point that the Administrator's honor lies in coordinating the city without quietly taking authority from the Council, Magistrates, Warriors, or Caste Heads. The next High Caste lesson will examine taxation and the city treasury.

After class, Falconer reminded me that I could use the Learning Center on the wall or the Central Fire if I ever wished to move the Olni class. I explained that the present location seemed visible and easy for people to notice, although it was good to know that other locations were available.

Falconer also told me that a man had recently come to the gates looking for my father, Wind. The visitor had left without identifying himself in role-play, but Falconer later identified him OOC as Bam Bam (sith.parkin). I explained that Bam Bam and Vlad were trying to straighten out access so they could reach the longhouse. Falconer thought he might have an idea that would make matters easier, but he would need to speak with Jarek first.

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The Earlier Hair Dispute Was Still Being Discussed

After I returned to Turmus, I was present while Laela, Cheryl, and Jean spoke about the earlier dispute concerning my hairstyle. Laela said it had given people something to talk about and felt that the city had become emptier when I stopped spending as much time there and Cassian did as well. Cheryl said she hated that both of us were gone over what she called "a silly hair issue," adding that the role-play had been voided. Jean corrected the impression that I had disappeared, saying that I had been in the city every day and was there at that moment.

I did not enter the discussion, but it showed that the incident and its effect upon the city were still on people's minds.

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An Evening Gathering in Turmus

The evening brought a large, informal gathering near the kennel. Aries, Seònai, Nick, Cheryl, Jean, Amalia, Laela, and others joined the conversation at different times.

Aries asked Nick whether any of the new girls might suit my household because I still need a dependable worker. Nick said the newest girls were too new for him to judge properly and asked for a few days. He thought Emma might possibly be suitable, while Zoey and Sandra also appeared promising. I asked him to keep me in mind. I am hoping I may be ready to take a girl next month, once some of the other matters in my life have settled.

The gathering also discussed the need for more activity in Turmus and more reasons for people to come out of their homes. Suggestions included additional tavern activity, a slave chase, a one-day slave auction, dancing, and a drink tasting. Nick explained how much work Tavern Night already requires because he spends hours contacting people individually and cannot begin enjoying the evening himself until near its end. The ideas were interesting, but no formal decision was made.

There was also a useful discussion about the order in which a slave should greet the Free. Aries questioned why Laela had greeted me before the men. I explained that I had addressed Laela first, so it was proper for her to answer me before continuing with the others. When I asked whether she knew the ordinary order among those present, I explained that it would have been Aries first, then Nick, then me, and then Lady Seònai. Circumstances matter, but the general order should still be understood.

Amalia spent much of the evening serving the Free. She brought Aries his ale, Seònai her plain tea, and me a warm spiced mead. She served well, and both Aries and I praised her.

As the gathering quieted, Aries asked about my next surgery. I told him it is scheduled for September 3 and should be similar to the first procedure. I expect to be under anesthesia for about three hours and to be tired afterward, although I hope it will again be scheduled early in the day. Later, I told Marcus that I was recovering well from the first procedure, though still more tired than usual, and that I expected the second part to go well too.

By then it was late for me, and I said good night to Marcus and Laela before going to bed.

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Meeting Summaries

Discussion About My Future in Turmus

Date: August 25, 2026
Time: 9:35–10:16 AM
Location: Turmus
Purpose: To discuss my possible citizenship and future service within the Scribe Caste of Turmus

Summary: I told Kelli that Turmus felt more like my home and that I would rather serve here as a Scribe and teacher than remain a Magistrate of Olni. Kelli said I must first end my official ties to Olni. We agreed to speak again the following morning after I had done so.

Attendance: Lady Kati Evans; Kelli GreyMoon-Rizzo (kellygr5)

Class 83 — Turmus Presentation

Date: August 25, 2026
Time: 12:09–1:06 PM
Location: Turmus Educational Hall
Teacher: Lady Kati Evans
Subject: The Administrator: Office, Authority, and Responsibility

Summary: The class examined the Administrator's civil authority, relationship to the High Council, administrative coordination, records, lawful delegation, and crisis reporting. Carola challenged whether the detailed structure was supported by the books, and Tasdron requested citations. I acknowledged that the references needed to be added. Ubar Bactu contributed his understanding of how Administrators and Ubars vary among cities. The lesson was completed, but revision and source verification are required.

Attendance: Lady Kati Evans; Ubar Bactu (conner14144); Ubara Selia (violet325); Carola Aromata Titus (charlottefrees); Tasdron

Class 83 — Olni Presentation

Date: August 25, 2026
Time: 2:24–3:02 PM
Location: Olni
Teacher: Lady Kati Evans
Subject: The Administrator: Office, Authority, and Responsibility

Summary: I presented the lesson with clearer notice that the detailed working model was a teaching aid unless supported by local law. Stefania and Falconer discussed the Administrator's relationship to the Council and the Ubar. Falconer suggested using Council rather than government where appropriate. The class ended with the distinction among the Administrator, Council, Magistrates, Warriors, and Caste Heads.

Attendance: Lady Kati Evans; Stefania Wildrose; Falconer McKeenan; libbi (liberty.luckstone); sky (pesky.jigsaw); SaphRosie (sapphirerose6); Cid Vicious (cid1010)

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To Do

• Meet with Kelli on the morning of August 26 to discuss my future in Turmus after ending my official ties with Olni.

• Confirm that Jarek received my resignation and determine whether I will continue as a traveling teacher in Olni.

• Revise Class 83 to include a Book References section with specific citations concerning Administrators, High Councils, and Ubars.

• Clearly mark direct BtB material, interpretation, local law or practice, and teaching examples throughout Class 83.

• Verify the statement about Port Kar having five Ubars before including it as BtB material.

• Review Falconer's suggestion to use Council instead of government where that wording is more accurate.

• Decide whether to keep the Olni class in its present visible location or use the Learning Center or Central Fire.

• Ask Nick again in a few days whether Emma or another new girl might be suitable for my household.

• Keep September 3 clear for the second surgery and allow time afterward to rest.

Black Wine and the Hairpin Toss

August 24, 2026

Locations: Turmus and Olni

My morning began in Turmus, where I joined Carola for conversation and much-needed black wine. Carola asked whether I had considered an activity for the Free Women during the next festival.

I first suggested throwing darts to pop balloons, then remembered how one of my girls once enjoyed practicing by throwing hairpins. From that came a simple name for the activity: The Hairpin Toss.

Carola seemed to like the idea and gave me an item bearing that name. It may prove to be an entertaining festival activity for the Free Women, provided we determine the rules and arrange a suitable place to hold it.

Later that morning, I received a blank Turmus Incident Report form and the accompanying notecard giver. During the afternoon, I left Nile River and traveled to Olni Var.

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To Dos

• Examine the item Carola gave me for The Hairpin Toss.
• Decide whether the activity will use hairpins, darts and balloons, or a safer substitute.
• Develop the rules, scoring, and prizes for the festival activity.
• Test the game before the next festival.
• Review the Turmus Incident Report form and notecard giver.

Choosing Peace and Finding the Shield Maker

Date: August 23, 2026

Regions: Turmus (Nile River), Olni, and Olni Var

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Morning Blackwine in Turmus

Present: Carola Aromata Titus, Stefania Wildrose, Kati Evans
Later involved: sosla Beck

I returned to Turmus before dawn and joined Carola and Stefania for blackwine. Our morning gatherings near the swings are becoming a comforting routine.

We spoke about how quiet the city has been. The wine shop and Pani restaurant have closed, and Carola thought the approaching school year and Labor Day might make the next couple of weeks quieter still. She also asked for ideas for a Free Women’s event during the Fall Festival. A foot race and the Game of Favors have already been suggested. A performance by the dance circle seems unlikely because Luella has only recently left the infirmary and has not been able to complete the choreography.

I told them about a strange dream in which I wore a shimmering band around my right arm that I could not remove. Carola teased that it sounded like a collar, but I quickly rejected that thought.

Our peaceful morning was interrupted by a man named sosla Beck. He asked for blackwine and attempted to sit beside us even after Carola explained that the benches were full and that it would be improper for him to sit so close to an uncompanioned Free Woman. He mocked us, ignored the warning, and crowded Stefania.

Rather than remain and allow the situation to worsen, we left for my house. Stefania made her opinion of his odor very clear as we departed.

Once safely inside, Carola told us she had encountered him before and had been warned to keep her distance. She said he had previously harassed a slave who could not simply walk away from him. I remembered that Father knew the man from Fjord and would not permit him to remain there.

Carola believed that he deliberately pushed Free Women until they did something he could describe as slave-like. We remained inside until he left.

A Conversation About Kael

While we were at my house, I spoke honestly with Carola and Stefania about Kael. He has begun speaking as though he wants companionship with me again, and I have been struggling with what to say.

Carola advised me to tell him that Father forbids it and to send Kael directly to Father if he wishes to challenge the decision. However, the truth is that I do not want another companionship with Kael. Twice was enough—once in 2010 and again in 2019.

He showed me in Selnar that his temper remains. He changed his mind about me, decided he wanted companionship again, and then left Turmus when matters did not go as he wished. Now that he has sent his girls away, he says he only wants me. I am not blind to the timing.

Stefania offered a simple measure for judging a man:

A man entering my world should bring peace, not chaos.

That stayed with me. I admitted that the price of being with Kael has always been too high. Perhaps what I miss is the wish of what things might have been rather than the life we actually shared.

I will remain Kael’s friend, but I do not want to become his companion again. With Aries, I felt comfortable and at peace. That difference matters.

I showed Carola and Stefania the initials hidden in the wall textures of my house. I explained that I had originally decorated the house for Kael. After the region was rolled back, I picked everything up, but Kael refused to let me restore it and instead filled the house with a strange collection of furnishings. It was another reminder that he does not respond well when matters do not go his way.

After Stefania left, Kael came to see me. He remarked that I was completely covered, embraced me twice, and then went offline.

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Morning in Olni

Present: Balkan Sands, Tura, Paul SpiritWeaver, Kael, Kati Evans, and an unidentified man using the marker “A”

I traveled to Olni later in the morning. Balkan Sands was there with Tura, who addressed him as her Master. Balkan said he was expected at the High Council meeting and needed to prepare incident and council reports.

An unidentified man questioned whether I lived in two or three cities and warned that a Free Woman should not travel without an escort. I explained that Olni remains my home and that I teach in both Olni and Turmus. I recently received a house in Turmus, so I no longer need to stay at the inn when I teach there. At present, more people attend my classes in Turmus, but Olni remains home.

Paul asked about my health. I told him my surgery was finished and that I was doing as well as could be expected.

Kael, Kelli, and Father’s Decision

Kael arrived and asked about my proposed meeting with Kelli and the continuing problem involving Cass. Cass had objected to the way I wore my hair because he thought it resembled a slave knot. I told Kael that I wanted to hear Kelli out. I never wanted the matter to become as serious as it did.

Kael maintained that Cass had violated the law and should have faced a formal trial. He said Kelli had been prepared to proceed until Bactu intervened. I explained that Bactu stepped in because he had been listening to me at a time when I was not permitted to speak for myself. Kael still believed that a trial would have been the proper course.

At one point, Kael called me timid and said that he made up for it. He then joked that our future children would be properly balanced. It was another sign that he was already speaking as though companionship between us had been decided.

Father settled the matter.

I told Kael:

[11:04 AM] Kati Evans: Wind says you can’t court me.

Father refused because Kael had told Izzy that he was my intended before he ever asked Father for permission. Kael claimed he had merely said that he intended to court me, but the distinction did not change Father’s decision.

Kael asked me to tell him if I did not want him in either Olni or Turmus. He later left for Teletus but asked to be informed about my meeting with Kelli. The meeting will likely be Tuesday near 7:00 AM.

I was becoming tired from my medication, and Kael advised me not to fight the sleep.

Evening Conversation with Laela

Present: Laela and Kati Evans

That evening, I gave Laela the updated schedules for the Educational Hall and the upcoming Olni discussions. I told her that my greatest difficulty is getting the word out about the classes.

Laela said she would meet with me again so we could review the dates and decide how best to advertise them. We agreed to work on a plan over this week and next. I also told her I could use help cleaning my Turmus house—and that I would enjoy her company.

Our conversation also revealed something important about Kael. Laela said she had seen him at my house that morning. She also mentioned another man she knew from Turmus:

Rhyder Thibaud

According to Laela, Kael and Rhyder had both been banned from Turmus in the past because of incidents involving their anger. Both men were eventually permitted to return, and she said Kael had not caused such a disturbance for some time.

I also told her that Father had refused to permit Kael to court me because Kael had already told Izzy that he was my intended. Laela was surprised but understood the situation.

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The Shield Mystery — Solved

I found it. The slave girl was Tura, previously called Ixia, account name jalanihermosa. She belonged to Balkan Sands.

First Shield Conversation — June 27, 2026

[10:09 AM] Kati Evans: I need to find a round shield that works to do that to.

[10:10 AM] Balkan Sands: to do what?

[10:11 AM] Kati Evans: Father wants a shield with his logo on it

[10:13 AM] Balkan Sands: (( Ture can create it in Blender ))

[10:13 AM] Balkan Sands: (( Tura ))

[10:14 AM] Tura: ((indeed i can, just need the logo texture))

[10:17 AM] Balkan Sands: Tura you sketch it Ill forge it

[10:18 AM] Tura: “Yes, my master. I hope it most pleasing for the mistresses father and meets all his standards”

[10:19 AM] Balkan Sands: Katis father is a well known man in the North

[10:19 AM] Balkan Sands: the shield has to represent that

[10:28 AM] Tura: “Like on top of the shield at the top or curved over like it is in the drawing? I can sketch either of them, or make the sketch appear to come off the page more”

[10:29 AM] Kati Evans: a 3D bull on the shield.

[10:38 AM] Tura: “I can certainly do that, mistress. And i do not worry that my master would be unable to forge anything”

Later that morning, Tura said:

[10:59 AM] Tura: if you have any other specifications about the shield or your father does let me know :)

[11:17 AM] Kati Evans: He probably will give one to all of the silver blades.

[11:23 AM] Tura: okay, so that will be a full perm then, good to know :)

What Followed

• July 1: Tura showed me the rough bull sculpture.
• July 10: She showed me additional versions, and I requested a gunmetal bull instead of a gold one.
• July 11: She showed me the eyes on the shield.
• July 14–15: She delivered “Father’s Shield – Kati Evans 20260715” and “Father’s Bull for Shield 20260715.”

Tura’s ownership is also confirmed by a conversation from June 16. Ixia/Tura greeted Balkan as “Master,” and Balkan responded by “nodding at his girl.”

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To Dos

• Meet with Kelli, probably Tuesday near 7:00 AM, and hear her account of the matter involving Cass.
• Let Kael know when the meeting with Kelli is confirmed.
• Meet with Laela tomorrow afternoon.
• Review the Educational Hall and Olni discussion schedules with Laela.
• Develop a plan over this week and next for advertising the upcoming classes.
• Ask Laela for help cleaning the Turmus house.
• Consider ideas for the Free Women’s Fall Festival event.
• Continue choosing peace and maintain clear boundaries with Kael.