October 26, 2026
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My day began very early with Nadia. I introduced her to Anvar and explained that she wished to turn herself in. I took her hand and accompanied her to the Warriors’ Hall.
Nadia was distressed about returning to a cell. I stayed with her for a time, offered reassurance, and told her that I still hoped she would remain in Turmus. I like having her as my neighbor.
Anvar helped arrange stools and attended to her requests for food, drink, and other necessities. Despite her distress, there were moments of teasing and laughter as she and Anvar talked. His height became a source of amusement, with both of us noticing how small we seemed beside him.
While we were there, I read Anvar’s five documents aloud: the Warrior Caste Roster, Scouting Report Form, Raid Protocols, Weapons List, and Incident/Crime Report Form. The roster listed him as Spear.
After leaving Nadia to rest, I invited Anvar to the Tea Room for blackwine. I bought two honey breads and shared one with him. We talked about the trial, Nadia’s confinement, and the conflicting accounts of what had happened in her home. I also helped him with information about physicians in the city.
The expected trial did not proceed to its conclusion. Confusion over a postponement announcement meant that the hearing was recessed until the following morning.
I asked Kelli to release Nadia on her own recognizance while the separate matter awaited a hearing. I explained that she was a merchant who wished to showcase her shop during the fair and that she promised to remain in Turmus and appear when summoned.
Kelli permitted her to remain outside the cell, with a stern warning against leaving the city. He placed her in my care and made me responsible for ensuring she kept her word. Dexter also confirmed that he was her legal guardian. Before Nadia left, I reminded her to stay within Turmus.
After court, I took Ink home. We worked through difficulties with the protected passage to the upper floor until she could use it. I explained how it worked and why she needed to be careful around it during a raid. I also showed her the birds and roses on the newly decorated walls. Her hammock had been moved into the kitchen.
Later, Kael and I reviewed the companionship contract. We discussed its wording carefully, including a clause I had written out of concern about receiving the attention, affection, and consideration promised to me. I removed that clause after our discussion, although doing so brought me face to face with the fear behind it.
We spoke about the twins and about children in our future. We agreed to wait at least a real year before considering children, giving ourselves time together first.
We settled on December 19 for our companionship. Kael said that date worked for him, me, and Ink. The contract was close to final, with the remaining changes back in my hands.
We also discussed household expenses. Kael agreed to share half the cost of the house and cover his own apartment if he kept it. I left finding a DJ to him, with my request that the music be happy love songs suited to the occasion.
The afternoon also included looking at clothing and considering things that might suit him. It was pleasant to spend time on our own plans after the strain of the morning.
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