A Quiet Day of Wandering

 

A Quiet Day of Wandering

Locations: Nile River, Junkyard Blues, Olni Var, and Muddy’s Music Cafe.

Today was a quiet day with very little conversation recorded. I began at Nile River during the early morning hours and spent some time traveling from place to place.

My wandering took me through Junkyard Blues and then to Olni Var. There were people nearby in several of the places I visited, but I did not remain long enough for any real conversation to develop.

I eventually passed through Muddy’s Music Cafe. JP Kärling welcomed me and another visitor named Em when we arrived. It was only a brief greeting, but it was pleasant to be noticed and welcomed while moving through an unfamiliar crowd.

Afterward, I returned to Nile River.

There are days filled with long conversations, meetings, problems to solve, and stories worth preserving in detail. This was not one of them. It was simply a quiet day of traveling, looking around, and passing through several places before returning to where I began.

Quiet Blackwine, Odette’s New Dream, and Plans for the Scribe Summit

Locations: Turmus and Thunder Mountain.

I began the morning in Turmus before most of the city was awake. Odette was already there, and when I asked what she was creating, she told me with amusement that I had seen nothing. I had not yet had my blackwine and was still sleepy, so it was easy enough to pretend.

She invited me to have blackwine with her and suggested that we sit on the nearby benches. Odette was concerned about my health and even offered to go to my house if that would be easier for me. I had already made it into the city, however, so I was content to remain there.

The morning was unusually peaceful. I told Odette that it was nice to have everything moving more slowly. I was also thinking about the following day and the long nap I would have while the Physicians worked. The hardest part was waiting to learn exactly when they would begin.

There is something especially beautiful about drinking blackwine while the world is quiet and most people are not yet awake. Those early hours have become one of my favorite times to sit and talk.

Lady Ashka eventually joined us. She introduced herself and explained that she and her companion are mostly retired and tend to remain at home. Although they have been part of Turmus for a very long time, they do not go out often. She has been encouraging her companion—and herself—to become more involved in the city again.

Ashka, Odette, and I discovered that we share a preference for the quieter morning hours. Ashka said that evening conversations are often so busy that she becomes lost in the roar. Odette also tends to retire early and said that she hoped Turmus might develop a livelier morning crowd. I agreed that some conversation is pleasant even when one enjoys the quiet.

That discussion led Odette to reveal something unexpected.

She had requested a Caste change.

Odette explained that her work with Free Woman Dance had caused her to reconsider what she wanted for her future. She no longer wished only to preserve knowledge, record the lives of others, or remain apart as an observer. Instead, she wanted to create something of her own.

Her dream is to establish a Tea Room—a welcoming place where people may gather, speak, exchange news and ideas, and enjoy hospitality.

She did not know how long the change would take, but she was clearly excited. I told her that it sounded wonderful and frightening at the same time. Beginning something new often feels that way, and I sincerely hope she enjoys creating it. A Tea Room might also be exactly what Turmus needs if we wish to encourage more people to gather in the mornings.

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While we were talking, Zino Davidov passed by during his usual round of the city. He greeted Ashka and me but did not yet know Odette. She introduced herself, and Zino did the same before continuing toward his office.

After he left, Odette asked who he was. She had seen him standing near the pier closest to the artist’s shop but did not know whether he was a resident or a frequent visitor.

I told her that Zino is the harbor master and that he has always been very polite to me.

Ashka agreed that he has been part of Turmus for nearly as long as she and her companion have. She described him as honorable and a man of his word, although also somewhat odd. Odette wisely observed that the world would be terribly dull if everyone were alike.

Ashka soon excused herself to complete some tasks before her companion returned home. She said that she had enjoyed our short visit and hoped to see us there again. Odette invited her to visit if the Tea Room becomes a reality.

It was a quiet conversation, but perhaps it marked the beginning of something important. I would enjoy having a welcoming place where those of us who rise early could gather over blackwine or tea before the noise of the day begins.

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Later in the morning, I traveled to Thunder Mountain and joined a Scribe Council of Gor planning discussion already in progress. The group was considering how to conclude the Scribe Summit on September 27.

Several possibilities were being discussed, including an in-character dance, a banquet, a dance troupe presentation, and a short program in which people might offer poetry, songs, stories, or dances celebrating their cities.

Trygg suggested combining the banquet and in-character dance. Bea recalled that the En’Kara Fair had ended with a closing ceremony that thanked everyone for attending, and Trygg agreed that a formal conclusion should follow the final presentation regardless of what entertainment was selected.

Sabayna remembered a banquet at the conclusion of the 2017 Se’Kara Fair. At that gathering, people were invited to present a song, poem, dance, or story honoring their cities. Her description offered a useful model for the Scribe Summit.

Trygg did not want the closing event to create an unreasonable amount of additional work. He also believed that people would be tired after the weekend, so the program should last no more than two hours. One possible arrangement would be a short selection of poetry, songs, stories, and dances followed by a dance troupe.

Myriam said that she knew the choreographer of one of the dance groups and would try to contact them. She had already reached out to possible performers, including Hermes, but no one had responded yet. Trygg encouraged her to continue and report what she learned.

Sabayna will be attending a real-life conference and cannot participate in the closing event herself. She did, however, agree to post a notice in SCoG asking anyone interested in performing to contact Trygg.

The group also discussed practical arrangements at Thunder Mountain. Trygg asked Marcus to ensure that SCoG members would have access during the necessary dates. Marcus agreed. Some presenters may also need temporary rezzing rights, and Marcus said those could be arranged once he receives a list of the people who require them.

Bea offered decorations, while Myriam said she already had banners and bunting available. Trygg distributed a revised poster texture for members to display in their cities wherever permission is granted.

The closing event is not yet finalized, but the discussion produced several promising ideas and assigned the first responsibilities. If the dance troupe is available and enough people volunteer to perform, the Summit may end with a varied celebration rather than a single formal presentation.

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Meeting Summaries

Morning Conversation in Turmus

Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Location: Turmus.

Attendees: Lady Kati Evans, Lady Odette Atheria, Lady Ashka Nightfire, and Zino Davidov for part of the conversation.

Summary: Kati and Odette shared blackwine during the quiet morning hours. Ashka joined them, and the ladies discussed their preference for morning conversation over crowded evenings. Odette revealed that she had requested a Caste change because she wished to establish a Tea Room where people could gather and exchange news and ideas. Zino briefly stopped to greet them and introduced himself to Odette.

Scribe Summit Closing Event Planning

Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Location: Thunder Mountain.

Attendees: Lady Kati Evans, Trygg Tyran, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Myriam-Aliyah Aurelius Antonius, Sabayna Kiseki no Shukujo, and Bea Lael Usami.

Summary: The group discussed plans for the September 27 Scribe Summit closing event. Possibilities included a banquet, an in-character dance, volunteer presentations, and a dance troupe. The formal closing will follow the final Summit presentation, and the complete program should last no more than two hours. Myriam will continue contacting dance troupes, Sabayna will request volunteer performers through SCoG, and Marcus will arrange access and temporary rezzing rights when provided with the necessary names.

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To-Do List

• Ask Odette whether her requested Caste change has been approved.

• Encourage Odette as she develops her plans for a Tea Room.

• Watch for further information about the September 27 Scribe Summit closing event.

• Learn whether Myriam is able to secure a dance troupe for the closing.

• Help identify anyone who wishes to offer a poem, song, story, or dance.

• Make sure any presenter needing temporary rezzing rights is included on the list for Marcus.

• Display the revised Scribe Summit poster in an appropriate location if permission is granted.

• Confirm the final closing schedule once the performers and dance troupe are known.

Another Day

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

The morning began quietly with Carola and me talking over blackwine. We started OOC, discussing my old computer—which had literally been sitting on a shelf long enough that I had to dust it off before using it—and the possibility that I may need to replace it.

Our conversation drifted back into Turmus. I was trying to remember the name of the woman from Olni who had expressed interest in joining us for blackwine in the mornings. I thought perhaps I could send a slave to see whether she was free. As I told Carola, it never hurts to invite people.

I also mentioned that I had resigned as Magistrate of Olni. I have not completely abandoned Olni, but at this point I am essentially there to teach. There simply has not been enough RP or enough people around to talk with, and I have more interaction in Turmus—even on Turmus's quieter days.

Carola told me that Odette had found someone willing to put together a basic class on animations. I offered the Educational Hall, but apparently Odette has already arranged with Lady Selia to use the dance pavilion because the class will be partly OOC. It will be open throughout Gor to Free and slaves alike, with TFWDC sponsoring it. The pavilion should work beautifully for it.

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Removed for Privacy

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Later in the Day

The morning was eventually interrupted by a region restart, sending everyone scrambling to relog.

I returned to Second Life later in the afternoon and received the Thunder Mountain BTB Active RP landing information in preparation for activities there.

By evening, things had become considerably livelier. Nicholas Eel could be heard shouting and chanting, including a rather enthusiastic call of "hail to the music maker." Nearby RP continued as Ember requested Kalana wine and Lora hurried off to fetch it.

After the seriousness of the morning, the noise and ordinary bustle of the evening felt almost reassuring.

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To Dos

• Remember that Odette's animation class will be held at the dance pavilion and sponsored by TFWDC.
• Watch for the woman from Olni who wanted to join us for morning blackwine and invite her when possible.
• Keep Carola's revelation about Crassus and her parentage confidential.
• Be aware of Carola's concerns regarding the warrant and the possibility of mercenary involvement.
• Follow up with Carola as the situation develops.

A New Face, a Salt Dispute, and Lessons Ahead

Regions: Turmus,Olni

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

A Visitor Lost Beneath Turmus

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

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

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

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

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Blackwine with Freya and Carola

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

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

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

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

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Laela’s Messenger Story

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

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

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

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The Great Drama of Soap—and Salt

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

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

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

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

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

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Checking the Class Calendars

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

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

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

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

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Meeting Summaries

No formal meetings were held today.

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To Do

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

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

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

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

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

Standards, Companionships, and Quiet Hopes

Regions: Turmus,Shades of Turmus,Thunder Mountain

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

Plans for Dance and Learning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Teaching Weights and Measures

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

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

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

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

NAME → STANDARD → INSTRUMENT → METHOD → RECORD

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

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Two Free Companionships at Thunder Mountain

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

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

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

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

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Friends from Olni

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Nerine’s Offer to Cook

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

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

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

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

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Meeting Summaries

Free Women’s Dance Planning Meeting

Time: Approximately 11:02–11:43 a.m.

Location: Private dance circle, Shades of Turmus

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

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

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Weights and Measures Class

Time: Approximately 12:03–12:40 p.m.

Location: Turmus Educational Hall

Teacher: Lady Kati Evans

Attendees: Storm,Ubara Selia

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

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Double Free Companionship Ceremony

Time: Approximately 1:06–2:24 p.m.

Location: Thunder Mountain

Officiant: Lady Jessika Roberts

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

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

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

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To Do

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

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

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

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

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