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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Two Scribe Meetings and Plans for Our Home

November 4, 2026 — Wednesday

Locations: Turmus courtyard and Tea Room; Scribe Caste of Gor meeting hosted by Marcus Aurelius Antoninus; Magistrate Office vicinity; Turmus Scribe Hall; home.
Times: SLT.
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JOURNAL ENTRY
I woke later than usual this morning and had not even had my blackwine when I found Carola looking at the butcher shop. The hanging carcasses and the blocked entrance to the courtyard are still causing concern. Carola thought the display might at least be moved behind the wooden wall and said she might speak with Selia. I miss how open and inviting that entrance used to feel.
When Kael arrived, Odette was quite determined that her guests should not have to look at the carcasses. Kael agreed that the butcher belonged nearer the docks. There always seems to be something happening in the city, but he asked me to leave what I could to others and make time for our ceremony. November 19 is only a little over two hands away. I agreed.
Ink joined us, and Kael remarked that our little family was together. That was nice. We talked about my appointment, the trial, and the work I enjoy doing. I told him that I wanted the title because I like the work and am here so much. He spoke of the importance of earning one’s place through what one actually does in the city. Ink was encouraging too.
Soon a message reminded me that the Scribe Caste of Gor meeting was about to begin. Ink came with me while Kael went to attend to his own work. I was glad she could accompany me.
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The morning meeting was mostly about what we would like to discuss at future gatherings. Trygg is changing the meetings to once a month, with volunteers choosing a topic and leading a friendly discussion. I suggested companionship, which hardly surprised anyone with mine so close, and invited everyone to our ceremony.
There were several subjects I would enjoy hearing discussed: why knowledge is restricted, what responsibility comes with knowing something, and whether a Scribe should disclose everything. I also asked what first drew people to the Blue Caste and suggested discussing alternate identities and whether they should be disclosed to a city. There should be plenty to talk about in the coming months.
Afterward, I stayed to work on the meeting record before returning. I joked that if I went home first, someone would immediately have something else for me to do. It is easier to finish one thing while it is still before me.
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Back in Turmus, Rhys approached about becoming Merchant Magistrate. He had been told the position was vacant. I explained that Ramius was the Merchant Head and identified him as the Merchant Magistrate, then pointed Rhys toward Carola and the Merchant office. Rhys said he had already spoken with them and was dissatisfied with the response. I agreed to pass his correspondence to the person he had addressed it to.
Later, I joined Cherry and Odette at the Tea Room. The butcher shop had brought us back to the subject of cleanliness. Cherry wanted an initiative concerning sanitation and examinations for the new shopkeepers and their slaves. Odette suggested cooperation between the Physicians and Merchants, along with announcements and scribal help with registration. There were ideas worth following up, though nothing was decided there.
Luella joined us as Cherry was leaving. She is returning to her dances after being ill and described a group dance that would need eight women. I had to explain that when I mentioned planning a companion service, I meant Kael’s and my ceremony. She congratulated me. I told her this would be our third companionship, after 2010 and 2019. I hope this time will work.
Kael stopped briefly too, and I made him green tea. Even a short visit is welcome when we both have things to do.
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The Turmus Scribe meeting filled much of the afternoon. Kelli acknowledged my appointment and said I would continue the clerk work until someone else could take it over. He reminded everyone to bring the legal paperwork to me. Aries also spoke kindly of the work Jessika and I had done as Advocates. It was good to hear our efforts recognized.
Much of the meeting concerned census forms, signatures, and seals. There were useful questions about reviewing documents and having another Scribe handle one’s own paperwork. Kelli wants personal seals made for the Scribes, so that is another task for me.
We are going to try holding the meetings on Wednesdays. That works better for me, though Aries said it was more difficult for him. I hope the trial meetings show whether we can find a regular arrangement that suits most people.
Afterward, I helped Orion and worked with the slave registration records. Then, at last, the evening brought time at home with Kael.
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I showed Kael the invitation and the sign for over our door. He liked the names with the quill, inkpot, and scales, and said kind things about the work I had put into our home. That made me happy. I am working on music too, and I need to return to Ella about decorations.
We confirmed the date and place again: Thursday, November 19, at five, by the Theater Falls. I will begin sending invitations soon. Kael mentioned inviting Wu, whom he knew as Eloise. Once he used that name, I remembered her.
I gave him the links to both meeting records so he could read them when he had time. Two meetings, conversations in between, papers, and ceremony preparations—it had been a full day. Still, I could see that things were coming together. It was lovely to finish by sharing some of that progress with him.
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MEETING / CONVERSATION RECORD
6:02–6:08 a.m. — Courtyard — Carola and Kati
Carola objected to the butcher’s visible display and suggested hanging it on the other side of the wooden wall. I raised the loss of the main entrance into the courtyard. Carola agreed that the central area had become closed and difficult to enter and said she might speak to Selia. Suggestions about another shop location or a screening wall were also made out of character. No move or alteration was agreed.
7:10–7:51 a.m. — Morning gathering — Kael, Kati, Ink, and Odette briefly
Odette said she would not subject guests to the view of the butcher’s carcasses. Kael agreed that a butcher shop should be near the docks and questioned the hygiene of the present arrangement. I explained that it stood between two eating establishments and said there was not yet a protest.
Kael asked me to limit additional work, except cases requiring my attention, so that we could focus on the November 19 ceremony. I agreed. We discussed invitations, William as officiant, and the arrangements still needed. Ink joined us and recalled being present at my promotion. I explained that Kelli had appointed me Assistant Magistrate with the Ubar’s consent. Kael emphasized progressing through service performed in Turmus, and I explained my wish to do work I enjoy and am regularly present to undertake. Ink and I then left for the Scribe Caste of Gor meeting; Kael declined because he had cases to sort.
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8:00–9:02 a.m. — Scribe Caste of Gor meeting — Hosted by Marcus Aurelius Antoninus; led by Trygg Tyran
Recorded participants included: Trygg, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Lady Inga Draegonia, Autumn Krigerand, Bea Lael Usami, Saku, and me. Ink accompanied me. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was the host, distinct from Turmus Magistrate Marcus Galbreus.
Meeting frequency and format: Trygg announced a change from fortnightly meetings to the first Wednesday of each month. December would be an exception because of his availability: the next meetings would be December 9 at 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. He planned to request volunteers on December 2. The first volunteer for a session could choose the subject and lead it. The intention was friendly discussion of scribal or wider Gorean subjects from a Scribe’s perspective, rather than formal presentations or debates. Suggested topics would form a nonbinding list.
Subjects proposed: I suggested companionship, what first drew people to the Blue Caste, and whether alternate identities should be disclosed to cities. Autumn supported the companionship subject. Marcus proposed restrictions on knowledge, responsibility arising from knowledge, whether Scribes should reveal everything, and how control of records creates influence. Trygg added control of knowledge and different teachings according to birthright, along with methods of training new Scribes and the balance between in-character and out-of-character instruction. Inga suggested women judging men as Magistrates, apprenticeship, and whether in-character and out-of-character matters can truly be separated.
Alternate identities: Bea said cities flooded with alternate identities could damage story roleplay. Inga questioned how people kept multiple characters separate while operating them together. Trygg said some people appeared able to manage this, though he did not know how. These were discussion points; no disclosure policy was adopted.
Other matters: Saku described herself as a slave presenting as Free and said she had no Home Stone. No status determination was made. Near closing, Bea raised the decrease in Gorean regions. Marcus acknowledged that some had closed, and Bea agreed to discuss the subject at a later meeting.
Ceremony announcement: I invited those present to our companionship ceremony in Turmus on November 19 at 5:00 p.m. Trygg and Marcus offered congratulations.
Afterward, 9:05–9:16 a.m.: Remained to prepare the meeting record before leaving.
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10:35–10:51 a.m. — Magistrate Office vicinity — Rhys McTavish and Kati; Roland and household slaves nearby
Rhys said he had been told there was no Merchant Magistrate and wished to fill the role. I identified Ramius as Merchant Magistrate and Head of the Merchant Caste, named Carola as the assistant, and offered directions to the Merchant office. Rhys maintained that the previous holder was unavailable and said Merchant leadership had not seemed interested when he approached them.
A document was received through the Magistrate’s mailbox. I agreed to see that it reached its addressee. This was assistance with routing his request; no appointment or confirmation of a vacancy was made.
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12:36–1:25 p.m. — Tea Room — Cherry Audax, Odette, and Kati
Cherry proposed a cleanliness initiative through the Free Women’s society and an Ubar’s decree, explaining that city sanitation was a Physician responsibility but a large task. She expressed concern about new food businesses and said many new shopkeepers, and possibly their slaves, had not appeared for examinations.
Odette suggested that the Physician Head speak with the Merchant Head. She also suggested a town-crier announcement and described another city where a Scribe coordinated slave registration, which required current examinations. Cherry agreed that scribal assistance would help and said she would speak with Lib.
When asked about available Scribes, I said I had not checked their numbers. I explained that I handled the Magistrates’ paperwork and named Aneesh Teardrop and Sphere Proto in connection with scribal records. Cherry asked whether Sphere was the filing clerk; no further answer is recorded in that exchange. No decree, compulsory examination scheme, or new scribal assignment was enacted during the conversation.
1:23–1:57 p.m. — Tea Room — Luella and Kati; Kael briefly
Luella said she was resuming dance work after illness and preparing a second group dance for the Women’s Circle, requiring eight dancers. I explained that trial work and ceremony preparations had limited my involvement in the Circle’s planning. After clarifying that my “companion service” meant our ceremony, I told her Kael and I had companioned in 2010 and 2019 and would do so again on November 19. She congratulated me. Kael visited briefly and requested green tea, which I prepared.
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2:55–4:10 p.m. — Turmus Scribe meeting — Scribe Hall
Recorded participants included: Kelli, Aries, Kati, Trent Victus, Jessika Roberts, Lilly, Dexter Winters, and Orion Al-Najm, with slaves attending.
Regular schedule: Kelli wanted a dependable meeting day and said Aries could lead when he was unavailable. Later, Orion requested Wednesdays because Tuesdays were difficult for him. Trent and I supported Wednesday; Jessika could attend either day. Aries said Wednesday was worse for him but he would try to make it work. Kelli agreed to test a couple of Wednesday meetings before deciding whether to retain the change. Times might need adjustment around city events.
Festival and census: Kelli said the festival had gone well, with remaining disputes being handled by the Ubarate and excluded from discussion. Census collection must continue as new residents arrived, with copies going to Sphere or me for filing. Aries said some forms had been submitted but festival preparations had slowed progress. He clarified that “returned” meant received from citizens, not rejected. Kelli emphasized accurate household counts, particularly for identifying missing or kidnapped people after raids.
Appointment and clerk duties: Kelli explained the Assistant Magistrate title and congratulated me. He said I had demonstrated capability but the Ubar wished me to wait longer before becoming a full Magistrate. I would continue as Legal Clerk until a suitable replacement was found. All legal paperwork should continue to come to me.
Trial forms and access: Kelli directed those involved in trials to obtain the completion forms and guidance from me. Jessika asked whether we should complete the new form for the trial we had just finished; he said yes. He also identified the small scroll-case box in the Magistrate Office as the source of legal forms.
Required signatures and seals: Trial completion paperwork must bear the presiding Magistrate’s signature. Kelli required the preparing and filing Scribes’ seals on official paperwork. He said incomplete papers would be returned for correction. In answer to Lilly, he permitted a generic Scribe seal until a personal one was available and required reviewers to sign and seal documents as reviewed. He explained that a previous ownership claim supported by signatures without seals had raised forgery concerns and said the requirement came from the High Council. He assigned me to make personal seals for the Scribes.
Personal paperwork: Orion asked whether he had correctly left his own slave-registration form’s final section for another Scribe. Kelli confirmed that personal paperwork should receive another Scribe’s approval rather than self-approval. He recommended giving it directly to another Scribe or requesting a completed no-modify copy when submitting it. I said I preferred forms to reach me unsealed so I could sign, seal, file, and return copies where appropriate.
Aries’s remarks: Aries commended the caste’s work, particularly Jessika’s and my trial representation. He urged Scribes to be proactive with new residents and slaves and ensure their paperwork and census forms were completed.
Banner: Dexter reported the missing Scribe banner. Kelli said it was a builder omission and he would attend to it.
Roland matter: Dexter asked about a court date or progress concerning the incident involving Roland. Kelli repeatedly stated that the matter was with the Ubar and administrators, outside the legal team’s hands for the present, and was not to be discussed further until resolved, including by slaves. Dexter said he would pass that on. No hearing date or finding was given.
Closing contributions: Jessika thanked Kelli for presiding over the recent trial and praised his judgment. Dexter announced that he had graduated from Advocate class on Sunday and received a certificate; members congratulated him. Jessika planned another newspaper within the coming week and invited contributions.
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4:12–4:25 p.m. — Records assistance — Orion, Nyx, and Kati
Assisted Orion after the meeting; he and Nyx thanked me. A sealed private slave registration for Nyx appeared in the records interface. I also retrieved and worked with the sealed registration concerning Ink, listed under Angel Ely. These actions concerned registration records, not a transfer of ownership.
7:40–8:17 p.m. — Home — Kael and Kati
Showed Kael the door sign and invitation and told him I was working on music. Shared links to the two meeting records. Confirmed the ceremony for Thursday, November 19, at 5:00 p.m. SLT, by the Theater Falls. I planned to send invitations soon and follow up with Ella about decorations.
Kael mentioned inviting Wu and explained that he knew her as Eloise, whom I remembered. We discussed the distinction between her avatars. He praised the sign, including the names, quill, inkpot, and scales, and the work I had put into organizing our home and celebration. We said goodnight after he said he needed sleep.
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TO DO / FOLLOW-UP
☐ Make personal seals for the Turmus Scribes as requested by Kelli.
☐ Continue receiving, reviewing, sealing, and filing legal documents and census forms under the stated procedures.
☐ Ensure my own personal paperwork receives another Scribe’s review where required.
☐ Confirm Rhys’s correspondence reaches its intended recipient.
☐ Attend the trial Wednesday Scribe meetings and watch for confirmed times.
☐ Follow up with Ella about ceremony decorations.
☐ Continue music preparations and begin distributing invitations.
Previously marked complete: Nadia–Edward trial comments, final seal and filing; arrangements for Nadia’s separate case; asking William to officiate; corrected class schedule to Selia; Warrior lesson corrections.
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Blackwine, Warrior Codes, and a Quiet Classroom

November 3, 2026 — Tuesday
Blackwine, Questions, and Warrior Codes
Locations: Tea Room and courtyard; Educational Hall; Magistrate Office mailbox; Capture the Flag grounds in Shades of Turmus.
Times: SLT.
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JOURNAL ENTRY
Odette made blackwine for us early this morning, adding verr milk and a little sugar to mine. I closed my eyes for a moment and enjoyed the smell before drinking. These quiet mornings at the Tea Room are becoming one of my favorite parts of life here. There is time to sit, hear the news, and talk without having to hurry. I told her I wished more of the women would join us.
We talked about the festival. Odette had missed most of it, though she and Luella had attended the slave dances. I told her about the canoe race, sword fighting, carnival, and my success at bull riding. We had differing opinions about some of the dances, although neither of us cared for the tall grass that hid so much of one performance. There were movements I enjoyed in other dances, but I admitted I had been a little distracted during the show. Odette guessed that Kael had something to do with that and said she would attend our ceremony to support me. That was lovely to hear.
I told her about becoming Assistant Magistrate and explained that Aries would teach me the city procedures I still needed to learn. She congratulated me, then said she had a matter she wanted to discuss with a Magistrate privately. As we continued talking, I learned that it concerned the butcher shop’s position beside our courtyard.
I do not like the thought of flies, smells, and slaughter so close to the places where we sit to enjoy our food and drinks. Odette was unhappy too. She said the butcher had assured her that the salted carcasses would not attract flies, although she had already seen and heard one. At least the bucket with the bleeding animal head had been moved. I suggested that a butcher might be better placed near the water, perhaps outside the city. We did not settle anything, and I still need to hear her concern properly in private.
Lucy came to offer service during our conversation. When I asked whom she belonged to, she named Jarl Jake of the Lacum slave house. After she left, Odette explained a little more about the private slave houses and the new families moving into Turmus. There is much to keep up with as the city grows.
Our talk eventually returned to clothing. I admired Odette’s skirt and top, which she said she had made in several colors. When I mentioned the matching blue fabric for Kael’s and my ceremony outfits, she asked whether he would wear robes or I would wear trousers. Silly woman. I had to explain that it was the fabric that matched.
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Before noon, Carola and I had a brief visit. She welcomed the quieter day after the festival but wondered where the newly arrived Merchants had gone. She said no one was shopping or even stopping to say hello. I had no answer for her.
The noon class on The Codes of the Warriors gave us plenty to discuss. Carola, Solthan, and 42 participated, and their questions made me pay attention to how I was presenting the material. Carola asked what I meant by the “old notes” I kept mentioning. I answered that I meant the notes in the books and explained that I was trying to give a fuller account rather than replace what was there. Her question was a useful reminder that what seems clear in my own preparation may not be clear to those listening.
I especially enjoyed the discussion about personal pride and caste honor. Solthan spoke about how an individual’s conduct affects the whole caste, and 42 explained that someone could suffer personal humiliation while still honoring their caste through fulfilling their duties. Later, Solthan offered another useful distinction: in his experience, the Codes were the same, but different cultures interpreted them differently. I acknowledged his point.
The examples brought more conversation. We considered a Warrior insulted while guarding a gate, a captain ordering a retreat, and a stranger in scarlet demanding entry to an arsenal. The last example led us to the difference between wearing caste colors and having authority to command. I like it when a lesson gives people something to examine together rather than simply a scroll to hear.
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After class, I checked the Magistrate Office mailbox. Marcus had left a clear instruction: use version two of his incident report and discard the other. Another detail to keep straight among the papers.
No one came to the afternoon class. Later, Lothar found me near the Educational Hall, lost in thought, and complimented the garden. When he asked about classes, I told him that no one had attended. He said he and his slave had nearly been killed and that the Physicians had kept him for treatment. He also spoke of drinking for several days. I was not sure what to say, other than that it sounded like a hard way to live. He made light of it as tasting his goods and wished me better attendance in the future.
Before heading to Capture the Flag, I worked on the Magistrate Office bell, changing its legal summons to call specifically for a Magistrate. Then I went to the game grounds and greeted those gathering. There was the usual joking while Augustus organized everyone. It was a different sort of noise from a classroom, and a change after the quiet afternoon.
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MEETING / CONVERSATION RECORD
3:58–6:05 a.m. — Tea Room — Odette and Kati; Laela and Lucy present briefly
Festival discussion: Odette said she had missed most festivities but attended the slave dances with Luella. I described attending the canoe race, sword fighting, carnival and bull riding, and dance exhibition. Odette criticized the tall grain obscuring a performance and said dance movements should illustrate the action. I agreed that the obscured performance was not to my taste and questioned the window or doorway used in the rain performance, while noting that I liked some other dancers’ movements. These were personal opinions about the performances.
Appointment and private consultation: I told Odette I was Assistant Magistrate and that Aries would teach me Turmus procedures. She congratulated me and requested a private consultation with a Magistrate. She later identified the butcher shop concern as the matter she wished to discuss away from the public setting. The private consultation did not take place during this exchange.
Butcher shop concern: I questioned the shop’s placement in the walkway to the courtyard and expressed concern about flies and smells. Odette said Selia apparently permitted the location; this was her account, not a permission I independently confirmed. She reported the butcher’s assurance that salted carcasses would not attract flies, said she had seen and heard a fly, and noted that a bucket containing a bleeding animal head had been removed. I suggested a location near the water or outside the city. No relocation, order, or formal finding was agreed.
Household information: Lucy offered service and identified her owner as Jarl Jake of the Lacum slave house. Odette declined service and dismissed her to seek other work. After Lucy referred to the “FC bakery,” Odette said that was not the bakery’s name and explained that Lucy’s master was companioned to the woman running it. Odette also described a second private slave house on the docks, occupying the former empty paga tavern, and said more residents, mostly families, were arriving.
Ceremony and clothing: Odette said she would attend the ceremony in support of me. I described blue outfits with matching fabric as my likely choice unless I found something else. Her teasing about identical clothing led me to clarify that the fabric matched.
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11:41–11:48 a.m. — Conversation with Carola
Carola said her day was slower than the previous one and that she welcomed time to relax. She then asked where the Merchants who had moved in before the festival were, saying no one was shopping or greeting her. I said I did not know. No explanation or action was established.
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12:01–1:03 p.m. — Educational Hall — The Codes of the Warriors
Teacher: Lady Kati Evans. Recorded participants: Carola Aromata, Solthan, and 42.
Scope of instruction: Introduced the second ten-lesson High Caste track, Caste Teachings, Law, and Honor. Presented the Warrior Codes as standards concerning courage, loyalty, duty, discipline, and caste identity, while explaining that the novels do not provide a complete official manual. Distinguished loyalty to the Home Stone from unquestioning loyalty to a ruler, courage from recklessness, and victory from proof of truth or honorable conduct.
Clarification requested by Carola, 12:15–12:18 p.m.: Carola questioned references to “old notes” and asked whether I was offering a new interpretation of the books. I answered that I meant the notes in the books and described my purpose as making the account more complete by adding to it rather than replacing it. She thanked me for clarifying.
Personal pride and caste honor, 12:21–12:25 p.m.: Carola said personal pride was not always caste honor and that caste came before the person. Solthan said caste honor held a higher place because personal conduct affects the reputation of the whole caste. 42 distinguished personal dignity from caste duties, customs, and responsibilities, explaining that someone might feel humiliated yet uphold caste honor by fulfilling obligations. I agreed with the distinction.
Victory and honor, 12:28–12:30 p.m.: Carola said the answer depended on why the contest occurred, and Solthan emphasized its objective. I explained that victory alone did not establish honor; means, purpose, and duty also had to be considered.
Written Codes and interpretation, 12:40–12:47 p.m.: Carola asked whether Warriors in Second Life had written Codes. I answered that they did, that these might vary between cities, and that Warriors did not share them. Solthan qualified this from his own experience: the Codes were the same, but interpretations differed between cultures. Carola thanked him, and I acknowledged his distinction as a good point.
Teaching framework and scenarios, 12:37–12:59 p.m.: Used Allegiance, Duty, Courage, Restraint, and Consequence as lesson questions, explicitly identifying them as a teaching framework rather than a canonical list. For an insult directed at a gate guard, Carola selected restraint. For a captain ordering retreat to avoid encirclement, Solthan selected allegiance or duty through obeying command. Carola initially thought the examples were connected; I clarified that they were separate situations.
For a stranger wearing scarlet who demanded that guards open an arsenal, Carola suggested consequences for the stranger, and Solthan agreed. I emphasized allegiance and the need to know whether the stranger had authority. Solthan stated that scarlet alone did not confer command and that orders must come through recognized authority.
Closing discussion, 12:58–1:01 p.m.: Asked what separated a disciplined Warrior from a merely violent man. Carola offered restraint and duty; Solthan agreed with duty. 42 contrasted anger and intimidation with the strength to use force when necessary and the wisdom to exercise restraint. I concluded that the Codes governed a Warrior’s danger through something greater than impulse. Announced The Scribes: Knowledge, Truth, and the Written Record as the next lesson in this track. Participants offered thanks before leaving.
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1:08 p.m. — Magistrate Office mailbox — Marcus’s instruction
Received Marcus Galbreus’s message: “Please use v2 of my incident report. The other can be discarded.” Receipt of the instruction is recorded; completion of the replacement is not established in this exchange.
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4:26–4:40 p.m. — Educational Hall vicinity — Lothar and Kati
Lothar approached while passing toward the tavern, complimented the garden, and asked whether I was preparing or finishing classes. I told him no one had come. He said he and his slave had nearly been killed and that Physicians had kept him for treatment and explained medicine to him. He also said he had been drinking for days. I responded that it seemed a hard way to live. He joked about needing to taste his goods and wished me better class attendance. No formal complaint, medical assessment, or legal decision resulted from this conversation.
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5:09–5:12 p.m. — Magistrate Office bell
Changed the summons wording from “LEGAL: Legal Member is needed at the Magistrate Office” to “MAGISTRATE: A Magistrate is needed at the Magistrate Office.” Set the displayed text to “Magistrate.” Warrior assistance and all-clear messages remained available.
From 5:18 p.m. — Capture the Flag grounds — Shades of Turmus
Greeted attendees while Augustus organized the game. He directed players to register on the team board, offered explanations and optional voice communication, and reminded female players about the game setting needed for equal damage. Dexter confirmed he would play; Lyrus said he intended to watch. Fyre asked me to change to game mode at 5:37 p.m. The recorded exchange does not establish a personal score or result for me.
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TO DO / FOLLOW-UP
☐ Use Marcus’s version two incident report and discard the superseded copy as instructed.
☐ Arrange a private conversation with Odette about the butcher shop concern.
☐ Review the lesson’s references to “old notes” so their meaning is clearer in future presentations.
☐ Continue preparing Thursday’s Metalworkers lesson.
☐ Continue ceremony arrangements and invitations, including outstanding decorations and music.
Completed today: Noon Warrior Codes class; Magistrate Office bell wording updated.
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Assistant Magistrate at Last

November 2, 2026 — Monday

Assistant Magistrate at Last

Locations: Magistrate Office; Tea Room; Inn; butcher shop; Commander’s garden patio; meeting with the Ubar and Ubara; city streets.

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I am now Assistant Magistrate of Turmus. It feels good to write those words.

Kelli gave me the title this morning with Aries present and asked him to be my mentor. Aries remembered that I have served as a Magistrate before and said he would help me learn how things are done here. I appreciated that. Every city has its own ways, and experience does not mean there is nothing left to learn.

This is something I have wanted for a while. I have been happy to serve as Legal Clerk, but being able to return to judicial work means a great deal to me. There will be responsibilities to learn and questions to ask, and I am ready to begin.

Kelli asked me to continue the clerk work too. I agreed to keep doing it until someone else wants the task. I am here much of the time, and I like having useful work to do. The paperwork certainly will not stop because my title has changed.

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I gave Kelli the draft of the Nadia–Edward trial records. Once he has added his comments and final seal, I should be able to finish them and put the case papers in order. It will be good to have that completed after all the preparation and time spent in court.

Nadia’s separate case will need another Advocate. I expect to be a witness, so I cannot represent her this time. Aries is to find someone, and Sunday at eight in the morning was discussed as a possible hearing time. There are still arrangements to settle before that can be considered final.

Later, Lothar approached Aries with complaints concerning attacks and lost property connected with yesterday’s incident. Aries began listening to his account. I left for a break while they were still speaking, so I did not hear the whole discussion or take a completed complaint myself.

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There was encouraging news about our companionship ceremony as well. Kelli had no objection to Uncle William performing it, provided the Ubar agreed and our contract was properly signed and sealed in Turmus.

This afternoon, Bactu and Selia gave their permission. Now I can ask William whether he will do it. November 19 at five in the afternoon, at the Theater by the falls, with an open house afterward at my house—our house. I am still getting used to that thought, but it makes me smile.

We spoke about decorations and music too. I need to follow up with Ella about decorating and speak with Jay or Bluesaint about the music. There are quite a few things to arrange, even for a celebration meant to feel welcoming and comfortable. Selia also wants the class notices a month at a time, so I need to give her the corrected list.

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Ink brought me honey tea during my break and told me the canning was finished. It was lovely to sit for a little while and enjoy something warm before returning to the day’s business. I am glad she had that work completed.

Later, I met Sylvia Moonwinder, who was looking for the Inn. I showed her the way and pointed out the rooms. Helping someone find a place is a small thing, but being new to a city can be confusing.

I stopped at the butcher shop as well and introduced myself. We spoke about purchases I might make another time. No shopping today, though; there was still more waiting for me.

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Augustus and Ella went over tomorrow’s Warrior lesson with me on the Commander’s garden patio. I was grateful for their time. They caught things that needed attention, including using “Codes” in the plural and being careful about teachings that are private to the caste.

We also discussed allegiance and how to present the material. I want the lesson to be useful without pretending to teach what belongs within the Warrior Caste itself. Having their guidance gives me a better understanding of where to draw that line. Now I need to make the corrections before tomorrow’s classes.

Later in the afternoon, I welcomed Ryan and offered directions. I also spoke briefly with some visiting girls about the kennel lesson before letting them return to their assigned task. The city keeps bringing someone new across my path.

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When Kael came by later, I told him about my new title. He congratulated me and said I had earned it. After such a full day, that was especially nice to hear.

There is plenty left to do, but tonight I am pleased. I have taken another step in serving Turmus, received permission to ask William to perform our ceremony, and had help making tomorrow’s lesson better. A busy day, certainly, but one I will be glad to remember.

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MEETING / CONVERSATION SUMMARY

Kelli and Aries: Appointed Assistant Magistrate, with Aries assigned as mentor. Agreed to continue Legal Clerk duties.

Trial records: Delivered the Nadia–Edward draft for Kelli’s comments and final seal.

Nadia’s separate case: Disclosed my likely role as a witness. Another Advocate is needed; Sunday at 8:00 a.m. SLT was proposed.

Ceremony: Kelli, Bactu, and Selia accepted William as a possible officiant, subject to the required Turmus contract formalities. Ceremony planned for November 19 at 5:00 p.m. SLT.

Warrior lesson: Augustus and Ella advised on terminology, private caste teachings, allegiance, and presentation.

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TO DO / FOLLOW-UP

☐ Obtain Kelli’s comments and final seal on the Nadia–Edward trial records, then complete the filing.

☐ Coordinate with Aries on my training and the arrangements for Nadia’s separate case.

☐ Ask Uncle William whether he will perform our companionship ceremony.

☐ Follow up with Ella about decorations and Jay or Bluesaint about music.

☐ Give Selia the corrected class schedule one month at a time.

☐ Make the lesson corrections discussed with Augustus and Ella before tomorrow’s classes.

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