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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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