The Final Hearing & Festival Laughter

October 27, 2026

◈◉◈ ══════════════ ◈◉◈
I began the morning at the Magistrate Office, testing the new messenger raven. The system reported that the message had been delivered and that the raven had returned.

Laela also let me know that Marcus was away attending to personal matters. There was no definite date for his return.

At the final hearing, I continued representing Nadia. I asked Edward whether he had touched her face. I also offered passages concerning clothing when that subject arose and raised objections during the questioning.

In my closing statement, I asked the Court to consider Nadia’s account of unwanted contact in her home, her resistance, and her calls for assistance. I emphasized that the absence of physical injury did not establish consent and that the boots could not, by themselves, resolve the conflicting accounts.

I addressed Nadia’s later conduct as well, asking that those allegations be considered on their own evidence and that her distress be weighed in mitigation. I also challenged the request that she be enslaved and awarded to Edward or transferred to a slave house.

Kelli dismissed the case between Nadia and Edward because neither side had provided conclusive proof. The ruling applied to both accounts; it did not establish either person’s version as proven.

Nadia’s alleged disobedience of orders remained a separate matter. Kelli stated that it would be heard after the festival, directed her to remain in Turmus, and declined to place her under arrest.

Jessika asked whether Edward could be informed if Nadia were later enslaved so that he might purchase her. Kelli refused that request. Nadia answered with a pointed suggestion that Jessika take Edward herself if she considered him honorable.

Dexter congratulated me on my efforts to keep Nadia from being collared. After so much preparation and uncertainty, that acknowledgment mattered.

Later, I joined the festival gathering. The tarsk races brought a welcome change from the courtroom. Riders lost their way, spectators teased them, and there was plenty of laughter. Freya won the first race, while Hogarth won the second.

The original case was finished, but Nadia’s remaining matter would still need attention after the festival.

.... And the day is not yet done.
◈◉◈ ══════════════ ◈◉◈

Supporting Nadia & Settling Our Plans

October 26, 2026

◈◉◈ ══════════════ ◈◉◈

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.
◈◉◈ ══════════════ ◈◉◈

Scribe Work & Plans with Kael

October 25, 2026

◈◉◈ ══════════════ ◈◉◈
I spoke with Anvar Vermax in the morning and welcomed him as a resident. When I offered assistance with legal matters, he explained that he could not read and needed help understanding the documents he had received from Augustus. I offered to read them aloud. As he still had patrols to finish, I arranged to review the papers and help him when he returned.

The jail incident remained on my mind. I had seen a warrior and physician with a bound man who did not appear to be doing well. A magistrate had been sought, but none had been found. I wanted to locate the warrior and make certain an incident report was prepared.

I also discussed Nadia’s situation. The prolonged trial had left her waiting, and her attempt to obtain supplies outside Turmus had resulted in further trouble. Her offer of coins had been interpreted as bribery. I was disappointed by what had happened, while understanding her frustration with the delay.

Later, I met Kael at the office with Zeeb and his slave, Aria. Kael had completed the ownership papers, and I helped by filing them in the city records.

Kael and I spent time discussing our future. We talked about the companionship contract, the wording of the ceremony, a possible officiant, and having the gathering at our house. Aries was someone I considered asking to conduct the ceremony. We also discussed music and whether Kael knew a DJ.

Our conversation included his past companionships and almost-companionships. I want to know the man I am planning to companion, including what has changed during the years between Svago and now.

When Ink joined us, we discussed possible dates. November 14 and December 19 were under consideration, but I wanted a date that would allow her to attend. I told her that we wanted her there.

By evening, I had repainted all the walls in the house. Between city work, our plans, and making the house feel right, there was plenty to occupy me.
◈◉◈ ══════════════ ◈◉◈

Dresses, Friends & The Turmus Times

October 24, 2026

◈◉◈ ══════════════ ◈◉◈
My morning included searching for a dress for a special occasion. Between the shops and looking through my own closet, my feet were getting sore. I had selected one possibility but still needed to check with Selia.

I spent time visiting with others and invited Cherry to join us. Later, I greeted Kelli and offered to show him the location he was looking for.

Jessika and I worked on displaying The Turmus Times. She initially had only the front showing, so I explained how to place the second page on the back. I wondered how many people would stop to read the headlines. I love that Turmus now has a newspaper, although I regretted missing the plays.

I also spoke with a visiting man who had questions about staying in Turmus and about tarns. I directed him toward the Commander for answers concerning the city’s rules.

That evening, I stopped near the jail, where a bound man and others had gathered. Selia was there, and Dexter arrived as well. I wanted to know what had happened, but I still had no clear account of the incident.
◈◉◈ ══════════════ ◈◉◈