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.

A Warning in the Street and a Night with the Marvels

August 22, 2026

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

I spent the early part of the day quietly moving between my homes in Turmus and Olni. I was still recovering from surgery and did not remain active for long during the morning.

When I returned during the afternoon, I traveled to Olni and deposited eighteen silver and seventy-five copper into my account. After checking on my home there, I returned to Turmus.

While walking through the city, I encountered Antonio Batistuta escorting a newly collared woman named Sabella to the smithy. He explained that she had only been enslaved the previous day and had not yet been branded. She remained openly defiant, speaking disrespectfully and accusing him of taking advantage of her.

Antonio struck her when she continued speaking out of place and explained that she had owed him more money than she could repay. Because they did not share a Home Stone, he had enslaved her for the debt. He decided that she needed to be placed in a cell until she received proper training.

As Antonio led her away, Sabella called back to me:

“Let this be a warning to you, Lady. Do not trust men. They will use what they can to enslave you at the flick of a whim!”

Antonio seemed bewildered that she had only just discovered such a truth about Gorean men. I remained out of his way and could only hope that the newly collared woman would learn before her defiance brought her greater punishment.

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Later that afternoon, Turmus set aside its usual Gorean role-play for an OOC concert featuring Dazzler & The Marvels. We were warned that the performance contained an intense light show and that the environment should be set to midnight for the best view. Those who were sensitive to flashing lights were advised to take precautions.

The performance began shortly after four o’clock. Dazzler and the band offered nearly two hours of rock music, dramatic lighting, dancing, and laughter. The audience was encouraged to invite friends, and more people continued arriving as the show progressed.

The crowd joked with Cassian when he discovered that some of the dances were clearly not designed for men. He decided he might continue if someone placed coins in his belt. Nicholas enthusiastically encouraged everyone to dance, although he predicted he would be sore the following morning. Odette repeatedly insisted, “I DIDN’T DO IT,” even when no one had accused her of anything.

A runaway slave from Turmus named Dolunay cautiously asked whether she was permitted to attend. Since the concert was OOC and open to everyone, she was welcomed without incident. The others teased her about the possibility of being caught once role-play resumed.

The performance included music by Heart, Blondie, Pat Benatar, Cyndi Lauper, Bonnie Tyler, The Bangles, The Go-Go’s, Jefferson Airplane, Blackmore’s Night, Berlin, Alannah Myles, and several others. Some of the most memorable songs included:

• “Suffragette City”
• “Would I Lie to You?”
• “White Rabbit”
• “I Want You to Want Me”
• “Heartbreaker”
• “Barracuda”
• “Because the Night”
• “Venus”
• “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
• “These Dreams”
• “Time After Time”
• “You’re No Good”
• “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”
• “Under a Violet Moon”
• “Take My Breath Away”
• “Black Velvet”
• “Manic Monday”
• “Head Over Heels”
• “Call Me”
• “One Way or Another”
• “Goodbye to You”

When the scheduled performance ended, the audience called for more. Dazzler and the Marvels answered with an encore that included “Nowhere Fast,” “I Need a Hero,” and “Walking on Sunshine.”

The evening ended with loud applause, cheers, and many expressions of thanks. BilliAnn announced that Dazzler & The Marvels hoped to return and that Blue Day was expected to perform another concert the following month.

It was a lively gathering and a welcome change from the tension and seriousness that had surrounded recent days. For a short time, everyone simply enjoyed the music, the light show, the dancing, and one another’s company.

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Event Summary — Dazzler & The Marvels Concert

Date: August 22, 2026
Time: Approximately 4:16–6:00 PM SLT
Location: Turmus, Nile River
Type: OOC concert and social gathering

Performers

• Dazzler: BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman — lead vocals and lighting
• Captain Marvel: Dawna Nikki Ireman — keyboard and saxophone
• Spider-Man, Deadpool, and Luke Cage: guitars
• Black Panther: bass
• Wolverine: drums
• Jean Grey and Howard the Duck: backing vocals
• Stan Lee: special appearance on piano
• Cougar Ireman: announcements and event assistance

Observed Attendees

Kati Evans, Selia, Nicholas Eel, Cassian Leoric, Odette Atheria, Nerine, Seònai Christensen, Amalia, Aries Marchese, Melita, leena, Jean, Alexander Onyx, Inkeri, Ajax Alecto, Zoey Soburin, Gaius, Chantal O, Dolunay, Cross “Old Scar” Avro, Tarl Daines, Marcus Galbreus, Killertrees Yue, Lucy Starchild, Fee, Jet, Ira, and other citizens and visitors.

Highlights

• An elaborate and intense lighting display accompanied the performance.
• The concert was declared OOC and open to everyone.
• Numerous citizens and visitors danced and joined in the playful conversation.
• The audience requested an encore after the scheduled set.
• Blue Day was announced as the expected concert for the following month.

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To Do

• Continue resting and allowing myself time to recover from surgery.
• Prepare the upcoming lessons for August 25, August 27, and August 29.
• Watch for details about the Blue Day concert next month.
• Follow up on the unresolved dispute involving the slaver and my former hairstyle after my recovery.

Healing, Friendship, and Where I Feel at Home

August 21, 2026

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

I began the morning in Turmus, checking the Educational Hall calendar before traveling to Olni to examine the class schedules there. After making sure the upcoming lessons were displayed, I returned to Turmus.

I joined Lady Carola and Lady Cherry, although I was later than expected because I had slept longer than intended. I explained that I had undergone minor surgery the previous day. I was sore, tired, and rather fuzzy-headed from the medication, but I still welcomed the company and conversation.

Cherry entertained us with some playful gossip about a mysterious man peering through windows and a woman supposedly carrying a five-silver bounty upon her head. Carola also asked what activities the Free Women might enjoy during Ramius’s planned Fall Festival. She suggested the Game of Favors, in which each Free Woman would attempt to give ten small favors—such as flowers, scarves, handkerchiefs, or jewelry pins—to Free Men.

At first, I misunderstood the meaning of “favors” and wondered whether the men would later return them in exchange for work or assistance. Once Carola explained that they were simply small gifts, I understood the game better, although I still thought a man might misunderstand a woman offering him a favor. My mind was clearly wandering through every possible implication. Carola told me that I tend to think beyond the surface and consider everything that might interact with a piece of knowledge. She compared me to Kael in that respect, calling me intelligent and a sponge for knowledge and possibilities. She then firmly told me to return to bed and rest. I laughingly answered, “Yes, Mom,” and did as I was told.

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After sleeping for several hours, I returned to Turmus and encountered Lady Stefania. I invited her to my house for tea and showed her the Educational Hall along the way. We sat in my private garden corner, surrounded by flowers, and spoke about my recovery and my experiences in Turmus and Olni.

I admitted that although I teach in both cities, more people attend my classes in Turmus. In Olni, sometimes no one attends, while in Turmus I usually have several students. More importantly, I find more conversation and a stronger feeling of community in Turmus.

Stefania observed that I never seemed entirely comfortable in Olni. I had not realized that it showed. I explained that I often feel as if I merely fill a space there without truly belonging because few people speak with me. I am accustomed to watching others as a Magistrate rather than entering into their activities, and joining conversations can feel strange. In Turmus, however, several people actively look for me, so I have learned to look for them as well. That makes me feel accepted, appreciated, and more comfortable.

I had originally intended only to teach in Turmus, but recently I requested a house. The home turned out beautifully, and it has helped deepen my connection to the city.

After tea, I gave Stefania a tour. I showed her the kitchen with its many cabinets, some bearing my initials; the small sitting area; the living room filled with books and scrolls; my writing desk; the beverage station; the balcony; and my bedroom. She admired the wardrobe, the storage areas, the basin and chamber pot, and the dresser holding Father’s picture. I was pleased to show her the walls and explained that I had created and applied the textures myself.

The conversation about the walls led me to mention that I had originally designed darker walls for Kael’s home. I explained that Kaellaed Rhode had been my companion many years ago and had served as Turmus’s Ambassador until recently.

I told Stefania about the dispute involving my former northern hairstyle. A slaver believed the knot in my braided hair resembled a slave knot and threatened to take and collar me. Kael believed the slaver was wrong and wanted the matter brought to trial so that he could defend me. My father, one of Father’s men, and Kael all rose to my defense and threatened the slaver.

What I had wanted, however, was not more threats. I simply wanted someone to listen to my side of the matter.

The dispute eventually came before the Ubar and Ubara, but everything was placed on hold because of my surgery. Kael apparently interpreted the delay as meaning there would be no trial. He became upset, left Turmus, and went to Olni. The slaver believes his good name has been damaged, although nothing has yet been formally decided.

I explained that I am not a Magistrate of Turmus. Kelli, Aries, and another man hold the city’s judicial authority. Kelli spoke with us in his office before the meeting with the Ubar and Ubara, while Aries has listened to my concerns. I have not encountered the slaver again, and I no longer wear the hairstyle that caused the disagreement.

When Stefania asked how safe and comfortable I felt after everything that happened, I admitted that I presently preferred being in Turmus rather than Olni. She understood and said she would try to be more present in Turmus. I was genuinely pleased because I had been excited to learn that she was visiting the city.

The medication eventually made me sleepy again, so Stefania thanked me for my friendship and hospitality before leaving me to rest.

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That evening, Kael came to see me in Turmus. He asked about the surgery and listened as I described the stiffness, soreness, and unexpected pain around my ribs. He made certain I could eat and move around and asked whether I had medication. I told him that I had pain medicine and an antibiotic and expected to feel better after another day.

Kael advised me to rest, remain hydrated, and allow nature to take its course. He hugged me before leaving for the night. I told him I had already taken three naps that day, and he assured me that naps were good.

Despite the discomfort and confusion of recovering from surgery, the day reminded me that I am surrounded by people who care about me. It also helped me recognize how important conversation, friendship, and a genuine sense of belonging have become to me—and why Turmus is beginning to feel like more than merely the place where I teach.

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To Do

• Continue resting, hydrating, and taking the prescribed medication.
• Prepare The Administrator: Office, Authority, and Responsibility for August 25.
• Prepare Weights, Measures, and Merchant Scales for August 27.
• Consider an appropriate Free Women’s activity for the Turmus Fall Festival.
• Continue working toward membership in the Turmus Dance Circle.
• Revisit the matter involving the slaver and my hair after recovering from surgery.
• Speak with the appropriate Turmus officials about whether the matter will receive a formal hearing.

A House Made My Own

Journal Entry — Thursday, August 20, 2026

A House Made My Own

Regions: Nile River, Olni and Olni Var
Events: Selia’s visit and a tour of my newly furnished home

Afternoon — Selia Visits My Home

Selia came to visit me at my new home, and I had the pleasure of showing her everything I had been working on. We began outside, where I showed her how the mound was concealed beneath the chairs. I had added a statue and a table for visitors, arranging them so they fit comfortably within the circular space. Selia thought the area looked very nice and said the table fit perfectly.

I then showed her the stairs, the seating on the porch and the small sitting area just inside. From there, we went through the kitchen, where I pointed out the cabinets and pantry. Selia seemed impressed by how much had been added and how well everything fit together.

Upstairs, I showed her the main room. With all its books and scrolls, there could be no doubt that a Scribe lived there. The room also held a beverage area and opened onto a balcony furnished with two chairs. Selia especially liked the balconies and described the home as very classy.

We continued to my private room on the upper floor. I showed her the picture of Father displayed on the dresser and the large wardrobe that provided plenty of storage. She complimented the colors, and I pointed out one of my favorite personal touches—my initials carved into portions of the woodwork.

Before Selia left, I thanked her for coming and told her she would always be welcome. I promised that I would gladly prepare blackwine or tea whenever she visited again. She said that she was glad I was doing well and expected that we would see one another again soon. I thanked her for her good wishes and for helping me with the mound before we exchanged farewells.

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A Quiet Remainder of the Day

After Selia departed, I traveled briefly through Olni and Olni Var before returning to the Nile River. While in Olni Var, I encountered Frollin once more. Upon seeing me, he quickly knelt and lowered his eyes in respectful acknowledgment, although we had no further conversation.

The remainder of the evening was quiet, giving me time to enjoy the home that was finally beginning to feel distinctly my own.

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To Do

• Continue making the final small adjustments to the house and grounds.

• Welcome Selia back for blackwine or tea when she next visits.