Locations: Turmus — Tea Room, Educational Hall, my home, Magistrate Office, Nadia’s former home, and Nadia’s current home.
Times: SLT.
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Journal Entry
My day began with conversation, though the worry over Father remained close. His men are searching for him after he went missing at sea, and the message I received over the weekend left me uncertain how long the search has been underway. Kael stayed close throughout the weekend, making sure I was doing all right. I am thankful for his care and for the work and company that help occupy my thoughts.
At 4:08–4:38 a.m., Dexter and I spoke about Kael and our past companionships. I explained that we have twins and are getting reacquainted, but I do not know what lies ahead. Dexter offered his company whenever I need someone to talk to. We also remembered the terrible storm in Selnar, when I was stranded in the library with other women.
I joined Odette for blackwine in the Tea Room at 4:39 a.m. She listened as I told her about Father. We also discussed the trial scheduled for tomorrow and my being asked to serve as an advocate. Odette reported that Holmesk had gone to dust, and we spoke of Turmus’s growth and its shops before she left.
It was a pleasure to see Caroline again at 5:36 a.m. I have missed her company. We caught up, and I invited her to stay with me for a week. She does not wish to settle in Turmus, but welcomed a visit. I showed her my home and the Educational Hall. While we were at the Tea Room, I reminded a slave that she needed a chemise to serve there and sent her to obtain one.
Ink arrived at 7:11 a.m., and I introduced her to Caroline. I removed the kennel collar supplied by the slaver and placed my own collar on her, locking it in place. Later, I gave her the forms we need to complete—two for her and one for me. She asked about attending the trial, and I explained that she would have to sit at the back while I would be up front. She accompanied me to the Magistrate Office and sat quietly reading during my work.
Much of the day went into preparing to represent Nadia. Hearing her account and visiting the place where the incident occurred helped me understand the setting far better than the brief report alone. I later discussed her account with Kael and continued reviewing the material available to me.
In the afternoon, I spoke with Aries about paperwork and told him about Father. He offered his prayers and practical help from his girls with cooking and cleaning. We also spoke about Ink and my wish to spend more time learning her history.
The evening brought another visit with Nadia. We toured her current home and mine, and the conversation became more personal. She told me she feels alone and is unsure whether she fits into the city. I offered friendship once the trial is behind us. She also expressed interest in learning more of my skills.
Before we parted, I reminded Nadia that the trial is tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. SLT. I explained that the advocacy had passed to me because Trent’s schedule would not allow him to attend. I promised to do my best for her, while making clear that the decision rests with Kelli. I encouraged her to relax and get some rest.
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Meeting Summaries
Nadia — Magistrate Office, 9:08–9:43 a.m.
I introduced myself as Legal Clerk and teacher, explained my past experience as a Magistrate, and told Nadia I had been asked to act as her advocate. She hoped to attend the trial. At my request, she gave her account in her own words.
Nadia said Edward entered her home without invitation, removed his shoes, touched her lips without permission, and threatened to claim she wanted to bed him if she summoned a guard. She said she slapped his hand away and ordered him to leave. She identified a slave named Taye as having come by. Kael joined the discussion with Nadia’s agreement; Ink remained quietly present.
Nadia confirmed that she is a hairstylist and had moved after the incident. I asked her to show me the former home. During this meeting, the law bookcase denied me access.
Nadia — Former Home and Tea Room, 9:45–10:35 a.m.
At the former home, I asked Nadia to show where each person stood, how Edward entered, and how far he went inside. She said he initially stood on the grass, entered too quickly for her to block him, and did not go farther into the room than the position she demonstrated.
She said the broom was near the door and that she returned inside after he would not come out, concerned he might be a thief. She placed the slave outside and said the girl fetched Jessika, who brought the Ubar and Ubara. I checked the surroundings for a nearby bell and noted the distance to the Warriors’ Hall.
We then went to the Tea Room. Nadia raised her distress over being jailed following the accusation. We discussed who had ordered her confinement, but this conversation did not settle that question.
Aries — Afternoon Conversation, 2:34–3:20 p.m.
Aries said he had finished a report concerning Lady Jena’s request from about two hands earlier. I told him I had three documents needing another person’s seal. He offered to help, and I thanked him; the log does not explicitly record the sealing itself.
He offered support concerning Father and help with meals and cleaning. We discussed Ink’s reading and writing and possible usefulness in carrying notes. Aries suggested tea together, possibly Friday, so Ink could serve and he could meet her. No firm arrangement was recorded.
Kael — Case Discussion, 4:22–5:52 p.m.
Kael questioned the sequence of Nadia’s actions, including why she went back inside and took up the broom. I said I believed her account and explained my view that fear could affect her response. We discussed Edward’s removal of his shoes and his alleged threat. I continued reviewing the event material; my belief in Nadia’s account remained an opinion, not a finding.
Nadia and Kael — Evening Follow-up, 6:01–6:42 p.m.
Nadia showed me her current furnishings and explained the arrangement in her former home: Edward had remained in the kitchen, while her bedroom was upstairs through doors. She showed me a door bar Lady Emily had bought her.
At my home, Nadia said Edward made his accusation after she told the Ubar she wanted to press charges, and that both were then placed in cells. Kael joined us and asked further questions. I confirmed that I would represent Nadia the next morning and encouraged her to speak truthfully and rest.
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To-Dos / Follow-up
- Finish preparing to represent Nadia at the October 13 trial, 8:00 a.m. SLT.
- Confirm Nadia’s attendance and follow up on her agreement to bring the broom.
- Clarify with Aries or Kelli any remaining trial instructions and the circumstances of Nadia’s confinement.
- Confirm that the three documents received the required second seal.
- Request access to the law bookcase in the Magistrate Office.
- Complete my form and follow up on Ink’s two forms.
- Spend time with Ink to learn more about her history and abilities.
- Follow up on Aries’s suggestion of tea, possibly Friday, with Ink serving.
- Follow up on Nadia’s interest in learning my skills after the trial.
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