New Neighbors, Unfinished Business, and Plans with Kael

Journal Entry — October 23, 2026

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

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

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

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

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

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

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

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

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

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

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

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

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

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

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

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

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

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

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

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

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

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

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

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

To-Do / Follow-Up

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

A Ring, Reports, and Kindness Between Duties

Journal Entry — October 22, 2026

Location: Turmus

The early morning brought a welcome reunion with CaineSteele and his slave, Muse. Caine said they had found a place to stay and spoke of his friendship with the Ubarate and his interest in offering his services to the city. The encounter was interrupted by Cinnamon, who made false claims of belonging to me and several crude remarks.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Later, Odette and I caught up over blackwine. We spoke briefly about Nadia’s trial and our hope that it would continue soon. Odette hoped the next hearing would be earlier so she could remain attentive throughout. I then showed her my ring and shared that Kael had asked to court me on Sunday and I had agreed. She laughed that others had seen it coming and offered her support, provided I remained happy and unharmed.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

During my morning rounds, I stopped at the gate to greet Tom Valencia. We spoke about the wind coming through the entrance and the quiet nature of standing guard. Although he regarded it simply as his duty as a warrior, I told him that those who protect the rest of us should know their work and our gratitude do not go unnoticed. We parted with wishes for a safe day.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

I had hoped to show Odette the mailbox and doorbell at the Educational Hall, but Carola kindly offered to help test them instead. The doorbell rang and sent its summons, and the test notecard reached me successfully. Carola admired the blue sign and suggested using “Available” in place of “Online.” I adjusted the sign, and she approved the result.

Our conversation turned to Kael and my ring, then to Carola’s hope of meeting someone through the Festival’s matchmaking service. I offered to help arrange a similar mailbox for her and suggested that a simple Festival mailbox might be useful. She wished to consider it, as her existing arrangements were working.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Later that morning, I encountered Kizzy with a dairy bosk inside the city. Its appearance differed from the larger, hairier bosk I knew, and she explained that different varieties were bred for different purposes. She said she sometimes brought the animal into town to demonstrate the freshness of her dairy products. I asked her to take it toward the docks or back outside the gates. She replied that she knew of no law prohibiting an animal whose owner was handling it.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

At home, I showed Ink another seating option and explained that Kael would not be moving in until after the ceremony. We shared a little laughter about avoiding rumors. Ink expressed her happiness for me before leaving to attend to her other responsibilities.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

The afternoon found me at a desk in the Magistrate Office, writing reports. Aries was nearby with July. When July greeted me incorrectly, Aries corrected her and apologized. I assured him that I had hardly noticed and was not concerned. They later left for the infirmary to have her healing brand checked.

Jessika stopped by to ask whether I had heard when the trial would resume. I told her that my inquiry to Aries had suggested perhaps the weekend, though nothing was confirmed. We both wished we were being kept better informed. Knowing I still had work to finish, she offered to bring me something to eat.

She returned with vulo and noodle stew, fresh bread, verr cheese, and butter, insisting it was her treat. It was a thoughtful kindness during an afternoon of paperwork. Before leaving, she said she would seek the Ubara because she and Vasator wanted to move into Turmus officially and rent a home.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

In the evening, I exchanged greetings with Nicholas Eel and the slaves gathered nearby. Later, I noticed that a shop was gone. Cheryl explained that its occupants had moved into a house. Kael arrived after a busy day, and I invited him to sit and tell me about it.

To-Do / Follow-Up

◈ Obtain confirmation of the next trial hearing.
◈ Show Odette the Educational Hall mailbox and sign when convenient.
◈ Await Carola’s decision about a mailbox or possible Festival version.

Autumn Conversations and an Evening with Turmus

Journal Entry — October 21, 2026, Wednesday
Locations: My home and the city of Turmus, Nile River; clothing shops; evening gathering at Shades of Turmus.

Times: Morning through 7:20 p.m. SLT.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

A Morning Visit and New Gowns by Arwen

My morning included several attempts to purchase the Gallica gowns in Terracotta and Blue, though the vendors repeatedly reported that they were busy. The Terracotta gown eventually arrived, and I unpacked it at home. The log does not confirm delivery of the Blue gown. Kael rang my doorbell during the morning, and before he left we shared a warm hug. Later, I also purchased a Midnight Blue Gothica outfit.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Caste Correspondence — 8:26 a.m. SLT

Aries sent me the notecard titled “2026-10-20 - Caste Meeting.” Its arrival gave me the previous day's meeting record to review; the contents and any resulting assignments are not included in this log.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Morning Conversation with Carola and Kizzy — 8:52–9:44 a.m. SLT

I joined Lady Carola, who invited me to sit with her and Lady Kizzy. Carola was disappointed that she had received only four reservations for the festival market stalls. One merchant had replied on a separate scroll rather than the official application, and she hoped he had taken notice of all the restrictions. I expressed my hope that more reservations would come.

We admired the beautiful day and the autumn leaves, although Carola was concerned that the accumulated piles would reflect poorly on the city during the festival. I agreed that the girls did not seem to be keeping up with them. We also briefly spoke of the male slaves seen about the city. Lady Kizzy joined the conversation before Carola excused herself to attend to paperwork.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

A Mailbox Delivery and City Greetings — 11:32–11:40 a.m. SLT

A notecard titled “TODAY” was submitted to my mailbox and delivered to me shortly afterward. Its sender and contents were not identified in the log. While near the bakery and city square, I was greeted by Dexter and heard Ella greet those nearby. Wolfe Osborn and Colette Ruelle were also present, discussing the city and its customs.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Evening Gathering — 6:54–7:20 p.m. SLT

In the evening, I visited the gathering at Shades of Turmus, where music, costumes, and lively conversation filled the occasion. Odette teased that my outfit was a frightening one—a Free Woman of Gor. Familiar music prompted memories and laughter, and Selia and Bactu identified one selection as the Turmus theme song.

Selia said that Turmus was going on four years, and Bactu shared that the region had been surpassing the Hub in traffic that week. Several people thanked them for keeping the community going, while Bactu credited everyone and described Turmus as a family. Marcus, Trent, and Isabella were congratulated as winners, although the contest and individual awards were not specified in the recorded conversation. I returned to Nile River at 7:20 p.m.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

TO-DO / FOLLOW-UP

◈ Review the October 20 caste meeting notecard for decisions and assignments.
◈ Read the “TODAY” notecard and determine whether a reply or action is needed.
◈ Confirm whether the Blue Gallica gown was delivered.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

A Postponed Trial, New Bells, and Scribe Caste Business

Journal Entry — Quiet Moments, Scribe Business, and the Comforts of Home

Locations: Turmus — my home, Educational Hall, Magistrate Office, Scribe Hall, and merchant shops.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

The morning began quietly on the porch with Caroline. I enjoyed sitting outside and joked that my ring seemed to glow in the dark. We spoke about my furniture and the pleasure I take in decorating. Caroline admired the space, while I thought about how practical the seats had been and whether there might ever be room for their matching swing. Before she left to prepare for her travels, we exchanged good wishes and hugs.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

The trial had been postponed again. After so much preparation, I had hoped we might finally bring it to a conclusion. I tried to let Nadia know that the hearing would not take place that morning. Later, Draven stopped by to apologize for missing my greeting while distracted. We spoke about his work as a grappling trainer, and I explained how thoroughly Nadia’s case had occupied my thoughts. It had been a long time since I had acted as an advocate rather than sat upon the bench listening to others.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Some of the morning went into working with the filing box in the Magistrate Office. Its categories included ongoing and completed Incident Reports, cases awaiting trial, and completed trials. Keeping the records accessible remains an important part of making the office useful.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

I also spent time making my new sign function as both a doorbell and a mailbox. At first, it seemed I could get one function working or the other, but not both. Kael briefly visited from work and admired the design. When Ink arrived, I showed it to her and explained that this one was for my personal correspondence.

Ink helped me test it. At 10:31 a.m., she rang the bell, and I received the notification. A few minutes later, she submitted a test notecard, which also came through. It was satisfying to see both parts working. We then went to the Educational Hall, where I tested its bell, and later the Magistrate Office bell produced its own location-specific notification. By then, I felt I had accomplished something useful.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

During the afternoon, I attended the Scribe Caste meeting chaired by Kelli. Aries was already taking notes when the meeting began. Kelli reviewed the recent trial and said both advocates had done well, while explaining that questions needed to be more direct so proceedings could move along. He also acknowledged that he should have stated the time limit before the trial began.

There was considerable discussion about the missing formal testimony from Tayir and responsibility for following up on a requested examination under torture. Aries suggested a written procedure, which Kelli supported. Completed requests were to go to Kelli and the presiding magistrate. It was useful to hear expectations discussed plainly, particularly after the uncertainty surrounding the first session.

Dexter spoke on Nadia’s behalf as her guardian and requested dismissal because of the delays. Kelli said the trial would continue because he had received new information relevant to the case. Edward was ill, and Kelli hoped to resume proceedings by the coming weekend or early the following week. No definite date was set.

Other business included the census, the first issue of The Turmus Times, and participation in the Big River Festival. Reports concerning Amyr’s conduct were also raised. Kelli said the magistrates would need to keep a close eye on him. The meeting ended with guidance about slaves helping in scribal work: useful assistance was encouraged, but sensitive discussions and documents concerning citizens’ identities or property ownership were restricted.

Full Meeting Notes: https://turmusscribecaste.blogspot.com/2026/10/scribe-caste-of-turmus-october-20-2026.html

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Afterward, I took Ink home to show her the changes I had been making. There were shelves along the wall, a place for the nice dishes, and revised shelves above the kitchen sink. She said it was looking more like a home. The changes had also saved prims, although the wall near the stairs still needed correcting. When she asked about future living arrangements with Kael, I told her he would come here.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

We later walked through the shops and visited Carola. Ink asked about seasonings and tea, and Carola explained that she sold herbs and spices rather than tea, though she also carried soaps. We talked about the growing number of occupied shops and how useful a grocer and butcher would be. Carola shared memories of her mother’s soap-making experiments and the journals she had inherited. It was a pleasant conversation to end the day.

Before we parted, Ink asked to return home and prepare my evening tea. I gave her leave and wished Carola a good night. The trial remained unfinished, but the day had brought useful work, clearer instructions, and a few more touches that made the house feel like home.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

TO-DO / FOLLOW-UP

◈ Await the new trial date and review preparation against any additional material made available through the court.

◈ Carry forward Nadia’s Incident Report and the follow-up with Marcus concerning the October 19 kennel incident.

◈ Correct the wall near the stairs.

◈ Test whether mailbox notecards are retained and delivered properly while I am offline.

◈ Follow up with Amalia about the Educational Hall cleaning.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Tea, Preparations, and an Unexpected Report

Journal Entry — October 19, 2026, Monday

Locations: Turmus — Educational Hall, Infirmary, Magistrate Office, my home, and outside the kennels.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

The morning brought a brief conversation with Dexter about Nadia’s trial. I told him that I had heard unofficially that closing arguments would be at 8:00 a.m. the following morning. He hoped I would succeed in clearing her name. I hoped so too, but whatever the decision, I knew I had done my best for her. His encouragement was welcome after the work and worry of preparing the case.

During the afternoon, Amalia approached and asked whether she could be of service. With the next class not until November, I suggested a thorough cleaning of the Educational Hall, including the ceiling, walls, and floors. She was uncertain how she would reach the ceiling, so we discussed finding a ladder. I reminded her to begin at the highest point, since dirt falls downward. There was time to spread the work over the coming two weeks, and she agreed to help. Ubara Selia stopped to greet us before returning to her own work.

Nadia sought me out later, although difficulties seeing her delayed our conversation. When we met near the Infirmary, she said she wanted to tell me privately about something that had happened with a guard. She had come to see a physician to make certain she was well. I asked her to find me afterward so we could speak without leaving any surprises for the trial.

Later, Nadia joined me at the Magistrate Office, and I invited her home for tea. Ink hurried ahead to put the water on. Dexter accompanied us briefly, then left us to discuss what needed attention. Ink prepared and served the tea, adding a little cream to mine, and gave us a comfortable setting for a troubling conversation.

Nadia told me that Warrior Arcadius had detained her when she attempted to leave Turmus to obtain hair dye for her shop in Valaris. She said he accused her of defying the Ubar’s travel restriction and attempting to bribe him. According to her account, he took her bags and brooch and placed her in a warriors’ cell. I questioned her carefully when she said he had “stripped” her of her belongings, and she clarified that she had remained fully clothed.

I asked whether an Incident Report had been completed. Nadia believed the warrior might have done one, but I had not seen it, so I began taking notes. She mentioned another man being present but could not remember his name. Her account referred both to the previous night and to early October 19, so the precise timing still needed clarification. She was worried that this new matter might affect her case, and I was glad she had told me before the hearing.

Kael joined us during the visit. There was a little welcome laughter about my new ring, with Ink repeating that it could be seen from space. Even with work before us, it was pleasant to share those lighter moments. After Nadia left, I told Kael that the trial was expected at 8:00 a.m. He said work would prevent him from attending. Ink reminded me to eat the raspberry muffins she had made for the morning, and I thanked her for thinking of me.

That evening, Aries asked whether I was ready for the trial to continue. I assured him that I was. He said he would be unable to attend because of other obligations, and later wished me luck. I greeted Skyrn and spent a little time among the gathering outside the kennels before deciding that I should retire.

Before ending the day, I made one final note to check with Marcus about an Incident Report concerning something that had happened in the kennels around 6:30 p.m. The details were not recorded in this portion of the log, but the follow-up needed to remain on my list. With the trial ahead, it was time to rest.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

TO-DO / FOLLOW-UP

◈ Attend the trial continuation expected Tuesday, October 20, at 8:00 a.m. SLT; verify any final scheduling notice.

◈ Complete and arrange review of Nadia’s Incident Report, clarifying the timing and identifying the other man present.

◈ Check with Marcus about the kennel incident around 6:30 p.m. on October 19.

◈ Follow up with Amalia about cleaning the Educational Hall before classes resume in November.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

A Misunderstanding Settled and a Ring Upon My Hand

Journal Entry — October 18, 2026, Sunday
Locations: Turmus; visits with Caroline, including Cartassa; my home.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

The previous evening ended with a much-needed conversation with Dexter. He told me that Nadia had asked him to be her protector and that he had agreed. We also spoke about Kael and how upset I had been after the tavern gathering. I admitted that I had cared about Kael since Fina in 2010, but that his temper remained a concern. Dexter listened, and I thanked him before retiring. It was better to go to bed having spoken to a friend than to carry all that frustration with me.

Early this morning, Caroline joined me, and I told her what had troubled me. At the tavern, the music and overlapping conversations had become too much to follow. Kael’s remarks about my father and matchmaking had left me uncertain about his intentions, and his leaving without walking me home had felt like anger. Caroline reminded me that companionship required agreement from both people. At that point, I felt I might need to step back and remain only a friend.

I managed a little more fishing before the tournament ended. By 7:14 a.m., my pole was put away until another opportunity came along. Later, I told Caroline that I had caught a squid and had no idea what to do with the squishy thing! Fishing had given me a welcome chance to unwind after the demands of the week.

Caroline and I spent part of the afternoon visiting other places, admiring gardens, houses, and furnishings. One house reminded us of the boarding home for women where we had once lived. I particularly liked a wooden sign we found during our exploring. We later visited Cartassa, where Kael joined us. Tiberiu welcomed our party, and we toured the city. I found the scribes’ building, with its school on the second floor and court on the third. The arrangement was practical, though I missed the familiar sounds of Turmus—its birds, leaves, and waterfalls.

Kael and I finally spoke plainly about the previous evening. He explained that his hints had concerned courting me and acknowledged that he had chosen a poor time and approach. I explained that I had been waiting to be asked rather than left to work out his intentions. We agreed to begin dating and returned home. Later, he apologized for upsetting me by leaving without walking me home. I thanked him. What had felt so troubling in the morning gradually became something we could understand and put right.

At home, we also discussed Nadia’s trial and the strain of the unexpected courtroom arrangements and changes in procedure. Kael encouraged me, and I talked through the few questions I hoped to ask Edward before closing. Ink joined us and said she had been fascinated by the proceedings and proud of me. Her words were especially sweet after such a demanding week.

The afternoon brought a happier surprise. Kael offered to buy me an engagement ring and let me choose it. We selected a beautiful platinum-and-gold ring, and by the early evening it was upon my hand. I loved it. Ink was the first to know, and her delight added to our own. We had agreed to leave further decisions until after the trial, but it was lovely to sit together with the misunderstanding settled and something hopeful ahead.

Nadia visited that evening with news that the trial might resume on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., although they were still awaiting the defendant’s response. She relayed Trent’s praise for my work and added kind words of her own about my preparation and care with her case. I told her that my notes were written and waiting for another review. After several attempts to draw her attention to my left hand, she realized the ring was new and congratulated me. I explained that Kael and I had cleared up a misunderstanding.

Before retiring, I briefly greeted Jessika after noticing an open door. The day had begun with doubts and ended with encouragement from friends, renewed understanding with Kael, and a ring I was very happy to wear.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

TO-DO / FOLLOW-UP

◈ Review and refine my trial notes and closing statement before the hearing.

◈ Confirm the proposed Tuesday, October 20, 8:00 a.m. SLT trial time.

◈ Leave further companionship arrangements until after the trial, as agreed.

A Seal, Quiet Waters, and Words Left Unsaid

Journal Entry — October 17, 2026

Locations: Turmus — Magistrate Office; library mailbox and records; fishing area by the docks; tables outside the tavern during Tavern Night; my home’s porch.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Morning — Nadia’s Guardianship and New Seal

Dexter and Nadia came to the Magistrate Office this morning with paperwork establishing him as her protector and guardian. The wording needed attention, as part of it suggested a free companionship. I asked them to clarify their intentions, and both confirmed that Nadia was to be his ward, not his companion. I corrected the document to reflect that arrangement.

While reviewing the papers, I learned that Nadia did not have a seal. She accepted my offer to make one and gave me her details: Nadia Storm, Merchant Caste, yellow, and hairdresser. I gathered my materials and prepared her new seal, used it on the papers, and handed it to her. Once the corrected document reached her, the work was finished. A small slip of my tongue when announcing Dexter’s new role brought a correction and a little laughter, but the intended arrangement was clear: he was now protector of Nadia and her property.

I explained that such paperwork would normally be handled at the Scribe Hall, but I had helped them in the Magistrate Office because they were both my friends. Nadia’s warm thanks meant much to me. After they left, I took a stretch break and delivered the copy to the library mailbox. The mailbox acknowledged receipt at 9:17 a.m.

I then spent time organizing the records. The Edward and Nadia incident report was placed in Awaiting Trial. I worked through the incident-report files, and by the end of the morning’s filing, the ongoing reports included Adria, Jessika, and Sabrina, with dates shown on the Adria and Sabrina entries. Jena Karliath’s closed and sealed report remained among the completed incident reports. It was useful, quiet work after the intensity of the trial preparations.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Late Morning and Afternoon — Fishing

Near ten, I found Aries fishing and teased him about my being in the office while he was out with a fishing rod. He reminded me that there was a tournament to compete in and proudly announced that he had caught his first tuna. I thought the fish enormous, only to learn that it was not even large enough to place among the top three.

Aysha was having better luck. She caught another tuna and reported that she was still in second place with a larger fish than before. I eventually tried my own luck, although the catches I spoke of were only small pot fish. By early afternoon, I told Kael that I had caught twenty, without finding the big one I wanted.

Kael came by more than once, asking whether I had rested after the busy week. I was glad to say I had enjoyed a good night’s sleep. I told him that the day had been quiet so far, with filing and a guardianship form completed. Aysha was nearby, and the conversation moved easily between fishing, the newspaper, and plans for Tavern Night.

I told Kael that I liked fishing with him. It was relaxing to sit together without a demanding schedule, and he agreed. At that point, it seemed a pleasant, uncomplicated way to spend the afternoon.

After Kael left, I remained by the water for hours, content to fish alone. My catches were only small pot fish, but after a while, their size hardly mattered. I listened to the gentle sound of the water and watched my line, letting the busyness of the week slowly drain away. There were no papers before me, no questions to prepare, and no need to turn over what had happened or plan what must come next. For those quiet hours, it was enough simply to be there, waiting for another bite and enjoying the peace of the moment.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Evening — Tavern Night

I joined the gathering outside the tavern shortly after five. Aries was hosting and Jay provided the music. I greeted Selia, Kael, Augustus, and Lady Ella, who accepted my invitation to sit with us. The tavern was lively with visitors, music, service, and dancing, while our table offered a place to talk.

There was light conversation about fishing and Lady Ella’s missing basket of frogs. Selia jokingly suggested an incident report, while Ella wondered whether Augustus himself might have removed them. Lora attended to drinks, and I later said that mead sounded nice.

Kael praised my work representing Nadia, and Selia agreed that I had done well. I lowered my head at their kind words. Still, when the conversation later returned to trial technique and the length of the proceedings, I asked that we leave the trial aside for the evening. I wanted time simply to enjoy myself.

Jessika joined us with sad news that Teletus, her former home, had fallen. I told her I was sorry; it had been a wonderful place. She spoke of settling properly in Turmus and renting a home with her companion. Her newspaper was nearly ready, with the trial story still awaiting Tuesday’s conclusion. The festival preparations were also on Selia’s mind, with much work still ahead.

As the event ended, Aries thanked Jay and announced a special Tavern Night for Thursday, October 29, at 5:00 p.m. SLT, to coincide with the River Festival auction. He also said the next Saturday would be an off weekend for Tavern Night.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Kael’s Hints and My Confusion

During the evening, Kael mentioned a note concerning my father’s disappearance. At first, I misunderstood his words as being about missing wine and thought he meant an incident report. When he clarified that he meant Wind, I immediately wanted to know whether my father had been found and why I had not been told sooner.

Kael said that the note reported Father missing and included an old bill of sale concerning arrows in Port Kar. He said he had waited to speak because I had been occupied and unsettled by the trial. There was no news that Father had been found. I told him I had heard nothing more since one of Father’s men had spoken to me about the search.

The conversation then changed. Kael spoke about wanting to ask Father a question, the tradition of seeking a father’s involvement, and dowry. With Father absent, he wondered aloud whether it was better to ask the person directly involved. I became quiet, thinking about what he meant.

Looking back, his words suggested an intention concerning companionship, but he did not plainly ask me to become his companion. Instead, he later spoke of asking Ella a question and having her tell me. I was puzzled and asked what I had missed. Ella declined to be put in the middle. Kael nevertheless said she would need to explain the hints he had scattered, while also saying that the matter should not be discussed there.

Near the end of the gathering, I was still asking what I was supposed to follow up on. Kael said he was confused too, told me to read the open chat, and said he had thought he was opening a topic. He left without our reaching a clear understanding. What had begun as concern for my missing father had become a confusing exchange about something Kael would not say directly.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

Later — Cocoa and an Honest Conversation with Dexter

Later, I met Dexter and admitted that what I really wanted was a friend to talk to over tea, or better still, cocoa. I invited him to sit on my porch, brought out cups, and explained what had happened with Kael.

I appreciated the kindness Kael had shown when I first learned Father was missing, and I was grateful for his help preparing me to act as an advocate again. Yet his habit of walking away when I was trying to understand him left me confused and unhappy. I told Dexter that Kael spoke as though a future companionship were settled, even though he had not asked me and I had not agreed.

Our conversation became more personal. I spoke of how long I had been alone and of the two brief times Kael and I had been together in the past. Dexter admitted that he had once been interested in me when we met in Selnar during the long storm. That surprised me and brought a blush; I had not thought he was interested. We also discovered that he had understood me to be Kael’s intended, and I corrected that impression plainly.

I am not Kael’s intended. I have not agreed to court him or become his companion. Dexter suggested that I ask Kael directly about his intentions, and I agreed. He also shared that he had been spending time with another woman but was unsure whether he was ready for a commitment. What I had sought that evening was a friend and a quiet conversation, and I was glad to have both.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

MEETING / IMPORTANT CONVERSATION SUMMARY

• Nadia and Dexter: Corrected the guardianship document to establish Nadia as Dexter’s ward, not his companion. Created Nadia Storm’s yellow Merchant Caste seal and delivered a document copy to the library mailbox.
• Records: Organized incident reports and placed the Edward and Nadia report in Awaiting Trial.
• Tavern announcements: Special Tavern Night on October 29 at 5:00 p.m. SLT; the next Saturday is an off weekend. Jessika’s newspaper is nearly ready, pending the trial story.
• Father: Kael reported no confirmed discovery or new location for Wind. The search remains unresolved.
• Kael: His comments suggested companionship, but no direct proposal or agreement occurred. I later decided that I wanted friendship only and would make that clear.
• Dexter: Offered company and listened while I worked through the evening’s confusion. No courtship or companionship was agreed between us.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈

TO DO / FOLLOW-UP

• Speak directly with Kael about his intentions and mine.
• Seek clarification of any actual new information about Father’s disappearance; the old bill of sale does not establish where he is now.
• Continue preparing for Tuesday’s trial continuation while allowing time to rest.
• If returning to the fishing tournament, ask how catches are weighed and confirm the closing time; those questions remained unanswered in this log.

Completed: Nadia’s corrected guardianship document, her new seal, and delivery of the filing copy. No further action on that paperwork was requested in the recorded conversation.

◈◉◈═════════════════════════════════════════════════ ◈◉◈