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.
No comments:
Post a Comment