November 1, 2026 — Sunday
The Festival’s Last Day
Locations: Carola’s home; Festival Dance Pavilion; gathering with city leadership and visitors from Lara; home.
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I went to see Carola early this morning and met Berchta of the White Larl Trading Company. Before long, we were talking about the way some men behave with their girls in public. Yesterday’s tournament had certainly given us something to discuss. What a man does in his own home is his business, but I do think he should consider the Free Women sitting nearby when he is out in public.
Carola wanted us to think of something that might improve matters, and Berchta felt more women needed to speak up. It was good to hear that I was not the only one troubled by it. We talked for quite a while, though I had to leave before we settled on anything. For now, it remains a conversation rather than a complaint or any formal action.
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This afternoon, I went to the festival’s closing dance exhibition with Kael. After such a busy week, it was nice to sit beside him and enjoy what others had prepared. There were dances I enjoyed, and I joined in the applause for the performers.
Selia said this was Turmus’s third annual Big River Festival and that sixty-five people had attended the exhibition. Quite a gathering! The Ubar and Ubara thanked everyone, and they seemed pleased with how the festival had gone. So much work goes into something like this, much of it done before anyone arrives to enjoy it.
It felt strange to reach the last event after days of activity. There had always seemed to be another place to go or something happening. I was glad to have been part of it, though a quieter day would be welcome too.
Kael and I spent more time together afterward. We have managed quite a bit of time together this weekend, and I have enjoyed that. After so many years apart, simply sitting together and talking means a great deal to me. With our companionship ahead of us, I am glad we are making room for these ordinary moments as well as the arrangements.
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Later, I saw Kreg, Ember, and Adri visiting from Lara. It was good to see familiar faces again. Bactu, Selia, and Marcus were there too, and I listened as the conversation turned to Lara and how things were going there. There was some talk of a possible visit. It is always nice when people from other cities come to spend time with us.
Kael came over as well, and after a little visiting, he offered to escort me home. I said my goodnights and left with him. It was a pleasant way to finish the day and the festival weekend.
Tonight, I am glad for the time we had together. There is still work waiting, and there are preparations to make for the ceremony, but those can have their turn. Today had room for conversation, familiar faces, and time beside Kael. I needed that.
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MEETING / CONVERSATION SUMMARY
Carola and Berchta: Discussed public behavior toward slaves in the presence of Free Women. Possible ways to raise concerns were considered; no formal action was agreed.
Festival closing: Attended the dance exhibition with Kael. Selia reported sixty-five attendees and identified this as the third annual Big River Festival.
Visitors from Lara: Visited with Kreg, Ember, and Adri among city leadership. A possible visit to Lara was discussed, without a firm arrangement.
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TO DO / FOLLOW-UP
Follow up with Carola and Berchta if they wish to continue the discussion about public consideration for Free Women.
Continue preparations for Kael’s and my companionship ceremony.
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