TIMES: SLT.
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JOURNAL ENTRY
I began the morning working on Nadia’s defense, matching the statements with the laws, before finding the notice that the trial had been postponed to Thursday, October 15, at 5 p.m. The extra time would be useful, though I felt it strange that neither my client nor I had been approached about our availability before the change.
There was also an incomplete task notecard from Candi. It listed work she had done but gave no location, leaving me uncertain why it had been sent to me.
At the Tea Room, I shared blackwine with Stones and learned more about his trade in gems, opals, pearls, and small carvings. I asked him to look for a pretty opal suitable for a ring, preferably with blue in it. Odette arrived and would not accept payment for the blackwine, even though I had made a whole pot.
Kael reviewed the defense plan I handed him. His encouragement helped: he thought the notes were thorough and advised me to practice questioning without constantly relying on them, then return to revise where needed. He also reminded me to get a good night’s sleep before the trial.
Ink joined us, and we spoke about her quiet conduct while I work. I am pleased that she listens without making a performance of being silent. I made clear that she may speak freely except when I ask her not to. We briefly visited my other home outside Gor, where I showed them my old navy court outfit, a favorite from my earlier years as a Magistrate.
Later, I helped Odette choose a book stand for her Outdoor Classroom and suggested moving the seating north so people could pass without walking through her talk. I sent her announcement for “Why Do Free Women Dance?” to four groups.
The morning Scribe gathering brought several duties and reminders. Kelli asked us to help complete the census, explained the coming access additions, and directed me to ensure that the advocates have their paperwork ready before the trial. I asked to send him a note about the access I still need.
At noon, I taught “Making and Proclaiming Law in Gorean Cities.” We followed a rule from the first problem and question of authority through drafting, publication, preservation, and application. Toby’s question about finding a supposed rule made the subject practical. Carola told me she had difficulty following the words, something I need to keep in mind when preparing future lessons.
Gaius visited while I was working afterward. He offered help, especially with research and Merchant law. I could not immediately think of a suitable assignment, but it was good to learn what interests him. I explained that I serve here as Legal Clerk, although leaving behind the habits of more than sixteen years as a Magistrate is not easy.
The afternoon took a troubling turn when Jessika approached, out of breath, and reported that an unknown man had attacked her in the library. I asked whether she was hurt and tried to obtain details that might help identify him. She said he fled when she drew her dagger. I was relieved she had escaped, but disturbed that the man had not been identified.
Back at the Magistrate Office, the forms box still refused me access. I had requested the form I needed and would have to wait for it. Kael also pointed out mail in the Magistrate mailbox.
By evening, I was ready to leave the office and relax. Amethyst served Kael ale and brought me wine, taking care with the vessels and preparation. We talked about her background and abilities. She said she had been a nurse on Earth, could read and write, and particularly enjoyed cooking, baking, and cleaning. She was willing to learn other tasks as well.
I decided to give her a chance with us and arranged a ten-day rental through Nicholas Eel. After paying and receiving the rental paper, I showed her the Educational Hall and brought her home. She quickly began making herself useful in the kitchen. Ink already knew another girl would be joining us and was excited to meet her.
Kael worried that teaching, clerk work, advocacy, and the household might become too much. I understand his concern, but I told him that I feel more alive than I have in a while. I enjoy having useful work and people around me.
Amethyst tried on the new blue clothing I had chosen, and both Kael and I liked it. Before she went to her hammock, she asked about morning tasks. I requested a blueberry muffin to go with my blackwine. It was a pleasant end to a long Tuesday, with the hope that the two girls will settle well together.
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MEETING AND WORK SUMMARIES
STONES — 5:14–6:54 A.M., TEA ROOM
Stones described his traveling trade and agreed to check his stock for an opal suitable for my ring. No purchase or price was agreed.
KAEL — 7:00–8:17 A.M., TEA ROOM AND BRIEF VISIT OUTSIDE GOR
I gave him my defense plan. At 7:34 a.m., he recommended practicing direct and cross-examination without depending entirely on my notes, revising afterward, and resting well Wednesday night. He hoped he might attend Thursday’s trial.
ODETTE — 8:18–8:56 A.M., OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
We tested three stands. Odette selected the animated Velvet Whip book stand. We discussed seating and keeping a passage clear. I distributed her October 14 talk announcement to four groups.
SCRIBE GATHERING — 9:46–10:19 A.M.
Kelli explained that he had intended the meeting to be moved to Thursday, but conducted a short meeting with those present.
- The census should be completed by the middle of next month; everyone was asked to assist.
- Scribes needing mailbox and library access should supply their SL names and UUIDs. Runa volunteered to prepare a consolidated list.
- I was asked to ensure that advocates’ paperwork is prepared before the trial.
- Slaves are covered by their registration records rather than separate census forms. An audit of Slave House records is planned.
- Trials are open unless otherwise stated. Kelli would decide this case after hearing the testimony, without a jury.
- Kelli asked me to send my outstanding access requests by notecard.
- Next week’s meeting day would be announced Friday evening: Tuesday or Thursday at 3 p.m. Those unable to attend should notify Kelli or Aries.
- Home Stone pledging was expected after Friday’s city meetings; details should be confirmed with Selia.
NADIA — 10:57–11:04 A.M., EDUCATIONAL HALL
Nadia stopped while on her way to the blacksmith. We confirmed that the trial had moved to Thursday at 5 p.m. She said she would return if anything arose.
CLASS — 12:06–12:53 P.M., EDUCATIONAL HALL
I taught “Making and Proclaiming Law in Gorean Cities.” Those present included Carola, Storm, Nadia, Toby, and Rose.
Toby asked how to find a rule being applied as Turmus law. I suggested asking a Scribe to check whether it exists, then bringing the matter to the Legal Clerk if it does not. Carola said she had trouble following the wording. The log records this noon lesson; it does not record a second lesson at 4 p.m.
GAIUS SERENUS — 1:20–2:11 P.M., HEAD OF SCRIBES’ OFFICE
Gaius offered research assistance and help with Merchant law. He had not yet had a proper meeting with Kelli. We discussed the census, housing, and my duties, but no research assignment was settled.
JESSIKA AND EREBUS — 4:09–4:32 P.M., LIBRARY VICINITY
Jessika reported an attempted capture and possible rape in the library. She said the man covered her mouth and fled when she drew a dagger. She described normal height, brown hair, a beard and mustache, and a northern accent. She believed she could identify him again and said she had filed reports.
I asked about injuries, clothing, distinguishing details, and his departure. No clothing description was supplied in this conversation. Erebus said he had not noticed anyone leaving in haste. I did not witness the attack.
OFFICE ACCESS — 4:49–5:10 P.M., MAGISTRATE OFFICE
The Magistrate Forms box denied me access repeatedly. By 5:02 p.m., I said I had requested the needed form and was waiting. At 5:07 p.m., Kael noted mail in the Magistrate mailbox; the log does not establish that I retrieved it.
AMETHYST RENTAL — 7:01–7:13 P.M., CITY SLAVE HOUSE
Nicholas Eel agreed to rent Amethyst to me for ten real days at ten copper. I paid, and he handed me the rental paper.
Terms stated: no branding, hair cutting, or permanent damage; full value payable if she dies. Either party could end the rental early without questions. I then brought her to the Educational Hall and my home.
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TO-DOS / FOLLOW-UP
- Prepare and check the advocates’ paperwork as Kelli requested; continue Nadia’s defense preparation for Thursday, October 15, at 5 p.m.
- Practice questioning and revise the notes where needed.
- Send Kelli a notecard listing the remaining access needs, including the Magistrate Forms box.
- Check the Magistrate mailbox and obtain the requested form.
- Help with the census and confirm my access details are included in the information being collected.
- Clarify the location and purpose of Candi’s incomplete task notecard.
- Consider simpler wording and clearer examples in future lessons following Carola’s feedback.
- Keep Gaius’s offer in mind for suitable research, particularly Merchant law.
- Follow up through Kelli, Aries, or Marcus on Jessika’s report and any further identification details.
- Confirm Friday’s pledging arrangements with Selia.
- Introduce Amethyst and Ink, settle household duties, and review the rental before its ten-day term ends.
- Follow up with Stones if he finds a suitable opal.
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