Getting By

There is an adage that says that youth is wasted on the young, although to watch my son, you would never believe it. Besides his capacity to wind people around his finger, an inherited trait he didn't get from me, he seems intent on fitting all of life's possibilities into a few short years. Not quite two, but he's wise beyond this, and he races about soaking up every detail he can/ What is more, he is consistently creating new past times for of us, and I sometimes have trouble keeping up. I am glad of it, however, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Still, he finally asked me the question I have been dreading all along. It caught me off guard nonetheless, coming as it did on the heels of our trip to Cos, and enjoying the tea house behind Stylus as we were. He'd come to me with grime on hands, and when I sat wiping it off, the query came. "C'sta and Sage have a mommy. Sean and Billy have a mommy. The twins [Nathan and Marlo's] have a mommy. Why don't I have a mommy?" Despite my going over this in brain for quite some time, I was yet at a loss for words for several ihn together. Eventually, I told him that he did have a mother, but that she had to leave us, and I didn't know what happened to her. He was silent, and I admit I held my breath, but he accepted the explanation. How long that will last, I have no way of knowing.

When I emerged from the tunnels this time, life had gone on without me. I am used to it by now, and whereas usually it is a measure of some pleasure in the thought, it just bothered me this round. I'd had a few plans laid when those of the club pulled me away to tend to monetary matters, and now things have taken a turn that renders those plans pointless. Flesh of interest is now owned by another establishment, and because of this I went about thinking on what to do about hands being in the shop. It was then that the redhead showed back up, and after she begged me in the library for something that wasn't entirely comprehensible, I paid the city for her. Known as Ann, I call her Shop Slave more often than not. This is not one of those purchases due to some consuming wish or need to possess, but entirely a business arrangement. I use her, I mark her, and she will remain as long as she is pleasing. There is nothing more really to say about it.

I suppose you could say, I am getting by.

The Club

I've been down in the tunnels again, though this time not merely to get away from humanity. It's Winter Break from classes, so I've had the opportunity to begin work on the club meant for Ar's more elite male patrons. There is direct route from the back of Bound Knowledge, but this will be one of those invitation only establishments, unlike the book shop. The work has reached a point, however, where only the Builders and their crew can really do anything below. That being the case, I went home determined to replot and plan for another trip to the ruins. Julian had other plans.

My son was most emphatic that he had to see his Aunts Th'rise and Lilah, not to mention the hoards of children that live in the Ubar's home. I still haven't figured out exactly how many children Lucien and Therise have between them. Then there are also Nathan and Marlo's progeny to think about, not to mention the possibility that perhaps Lilah might be expecting an arrival now that she has been companioned for an extended period.

We arrived in Temos last night, but it was very late, so we holed up at the White Larl instead of going on to the manor. I ran across Arlene, Therise's younger sister, who I only know slightly. She asked me about Julian, and I told her a few details, including how I chose his name. I asked her if she had ideas for the names of her own children, since she is after all companioned to Niros, the Deputy Administrator of Ar. She seemed, if not caught off guard by the question, hesitant in a way about her reply. It was most strange.

I'll have to ask Therise about it, and apparently some bit of news that Arlene said Hithy would likely have for me. She wouldn't divulge whatever it was, and since the ahn was in fact early by the time we parted ways, I took to my room in order to sleep.

Undiagnosed Conditions

Since taking the shot that enabled me to finally heal like everyone else, and get around without the limp that plagued me almost my entire life, I've been getting around. Not in that sense that some might take that to me, but there is that as well.

I planned another trip to the ruins, and had taken Portia with me. The very next day I received news that one of the school professors had unexpectedly met his end, after a tavern fight involving a Physician, a bowl of kalda, and a tarsk. I didn't want to know more than that, and managed to stay ignorant on most of the details, save that the fellow had to be buried with the tarsk's head still attached to his anatomy. I won't even bother to write where it was attached. I still plan to go back to the ruins though, and still intent on dragging Portia along with me. She has skills in plant knowledge and how to trap things, fascinating hair, and an even greater ass.

I'd gone to Cos for awhile once the school issue blew over, because the slave was needed in the city pens again, and I had promised a few friends I would not go alone. Not to mention I wanted to see my son. He will be having his first birthday at the end of the next turning, and has come along way. I worry about him, however, because as much as I care for him...I'm only one person. Yes, he has "aunts" and uncles, but they're not a mother. Even Madaline, mother that she was, was better than none. What will happen to my son without a consistent, feminine figure of free status in his life? I don't want to take another companion, Kings know it, but I am concerned with this issue.

I took the Builder's slave with me to Cos, Mare. She is very good with my son, and except for one instance of friction with someone else, we had a good time. She made friends with Therise's daughter, Casta, and the child drew Mare a picture that was very careful with when we returned to the suite where I was staying. I washed her hair one evening, and kissed her, but respected the Builder's wishes regarding no one else using her. Since our return, his ownership of her has ended, and I have yet to see him again. I suppose the ahns he keeps are erratic and/or the work schedule of a Builder is grueling.

On a positive note, Madeline's behavior has improved. I'm not sure why, but I suppose it might have something to do with Skirt's influence. I was in the shop alone last night when the blonde came in, and I directed her to take my cloak because she was cold. The Winter is going to be a brutal one this year I think, but I was warm enough indoors. Evidently, Skirt was missing physical contact with her owner, and Madeline made a few suggestions about how to renew his interest in his prooperty.

The conversation included myself, Skirt, Portia, and Madeline. By the end of it, I had the feeling I was missing some important detail. They had discussed the auction block, and how Mads will be upon it soon. Portia talked about the doddering man she had been serving these two hands. As a group, they talked of how hard it is to keep a man's interest. Honestly, I was baffled. I got the impression they'd believed I'd lost my mind, because I asked if it really is that hard to keep a man interested in them. Each beautiful, in her own way, spirited, intelligent, and did I mention beautiful?

I'm jaded I suppose, because no matter how I have acted -kind or otherwise- my female companions ultimately seem to drift into boredom or apathy. Always, looking for the next new thing, the grass being greener or something like it. This is no doubt the chief reason I have been back to my solitary existence, borrowing and renting as necessary to fill absolute needs for myself and Julian. At some point, however, I suppose I will have to try again for something else. No man is an island, after all. Even me.

Criticism

I'm not a particularly nice or giving person. I've never claimed to be. In point of fact, I have gone out of my way in the past to tell people I wasn't, only to have them assert that I am. It always puzzles me when suddenly they realize I was telling the truth, and they're surprised by it. I do lie about business matters from time to time, but rarely about personal issues. This is likely because it takes me so long to warm up to a person in order to have any real conversation, that I feel it's beneath me to lie once I've reached that stage.

So, on those rare occasions when I try to do the helpful thing, and then it gets walked all over, it's basically where I shut down. When the words I have chosen with care, become twisted and seen the wrong way due to the other person's own biases, and it keeps happening over and over again with that same person, I'm done.

Yes, I am judgmental. And yes, I am critical. No less so toward myself, however, so I don't understand why others feel they should avoid the same fate. When this being done occurs, I may still interact with the person, but I don't invest much time in trying to see them. I've already wasted enough I think, and my days are short enough as it is.

Treasure

The Ubar's Chalice of Port Kar

On a small note tucked inside the goblet
This was written in Jamir's own handwriting:

Before the Battle of the Twenty-fifth of Se' Kara
When Port Kar had twelve Ubars instead of many captains,
I met a small Ubar named Sevius
He was of the Scribes
He had a penchant for poison and for other people's companions
This was his lucky goblet

Bound Knowledge

My shop is open. There has been a steady stream of customers since I unlocked the doors this evening, as most of my work here has to be done after I leave the school, and I haven't had time to check on the library for several days now. I chose this district because I knew the theatre patrons were of creative personality, or willing absorb that which was out of the ordinary, and would therefore be inclined to embrace such an establishment.

I've made some negotiations, and managed to get a slave work force for some of the unloading of crates and so forth. Unfortunately, the slave I know as Skirt has been possibly kidnapped by a man from the other planet, and it seems I was the last one to see her. Zeb, her owner, has been reticent, but I can tell he is worried about her. As for the others, Mads and Portia have each put in a visit(s), to the shop. A slave I had not known prior crossed my path, and decided she has feelings for me. We are on short association, and while I suppose it should flatter me, I register more concern than anything else. It doesn't seem like a healthy thing to fall for someone so quickly. Her Master wanted to know if I was interested in her for purchase, but she is not yet fully trained, and cannot read or write. There was a time I might have been willing to handle these aspects myself, but those days are past. They will not come again since I devote myself to raising my son.

The usual suspects are visiting Ar in preparation for our pending trip to Corcyrus, where I hope to locate some antique volumes surrounding important battles in the region. I've been packed for a hand now, except for the things one cannot put in a wagon until the last moment. Sekret sent Julian a cloak of blue, and he wears it on all his outings, as he will wear it on the journey. She and Therise have offered more than once to take care of him, and despite Nonny coming along on the trip, I will no doubt have to accept.

Passing Swiftly

I think there is no better way to lose track of time, than to become a parent. It seems like only yesterday that my natal date was celebrated, and my son also brought into this world. He was small, and perfect, if encumbered with the same crop of wild black curls his mother and I have worn all our lives.

Almost four turnings have come and gone since that event, and we returned from Cos so that I might catch up with my work here in Ar. A nanny was hired to help out, two slaves rented from the city kennels, but there is still much to be done. We learned early on that he possessed an uncanny ability to communicate that implied he understood what we said far sooner than he should have been able to do. Still, his grandfather was Zamalan, the brilliant madman. So, we cannot really be surprised by it. We spend ahns at night in what I call conversation, and he is my greatest joy in life.

The school fares well, and I have been putting plans into effect to open a bookshop that specializes in texts of a more scandalous variety. There will be alcoves in the back for the inspired readers. I thought it a better idea for a Scribe to have such a thing, particularly since I don't drink paga, and the dens are common enough here in Ar.

Preparations

"I was in this house the day you were born
I spent several days afterward watching you, and wondering
You were small, and full of life, and you needed me

I taught you everything I knew
How to walk, how to tie your shoes, how to read and write
When you were old enough, you followed me everywhere

Then things changed, and we were separated
We found happiness where we were able
Even if it never felt complete, something missing

You returned to this house, a truce made
And we had a chance to correct old wrongs
To be the people we felt we should be

And now things have changed again
Neither of us is who we thought we were
But it has given us a chance at a new beginning

What won't change...

I am still here for you, as I have always been
For you, and the children we will have together
We'll make this house a home again
Something it hasn't known since we were children
This is my promise."

Simple words, witnesses, and wine shared. I didn't ask anyone to officiate, because we had the Ubar of Cos, the Admin of Port Cos, and an Arian Magistrate all present. I had no wish to start a political incident, and there were far more people present than I had expected to come. I gave Bonnie a tea house, no small feat considering I had to have it constructed almost overnight on the area by the pond, a small bridge linking where it stands, and the rest of the garden.

We're on Cos, doing a great deal of pacing about, and waiting. Pierre and Sydney were kind enough to remain, so that Sydney could help Bonnie. Bonnie's uncomfortable, and I do what I can by way of massaging her back and getting her mind off things, but I know she doesn't sleep well. I plan to let her catch up when Julian is born, something that should be happening any day now. We're both tired, and I can tell she's anxious, but I don't think we've ever been happier.

Meaning

"Ah, the Ubar of Cups. A wise card, calm and diplomatic. Too, it is a caring card, one that shows tolerance. A man who can balance the needs of many, as well as can diffuse a tense situation. One who accepts the limitations of others and allows them their freedom. There is charity work, and compassion for the less fortunate. A man who never seems nervous or tense...There is no need to reject a helping hand. You are a man who commands respect, but not love. Considerate and responsible, ambitious as well as a skilled negotiator. A born manipulator, someone who rises to power using his brain, not his brawn. The Ubar avoids taking people into his confidence and often works in secret. He is a seeker of power and often distrusted or feared by those around him."

"If that one confuses you, this one will confuse you even more."

-

-

"The Sardar. A card of action. It is a card of abundance, senses and nature.

This card represents mothering and nourishing life. Expressing tenderness and harmonizing with natural rhythms. It is a symbol of female authority, productivity and creativity. The Sardar represents abuandance in all things. Companionship, fertility and wealth, all flourish beneath her stewardship. Good luck surrounds you if your concerns involve coin, companionship or fertility. Any endeavor over which a woman has creative control will have a favorable outcome. Look for unexpected gifts.. or blessings."

-

-

Fate was still staring at him, wondering if her cards were.. broken.

-

-

"What is there about this one that should confuse me? I ask, because I am wondering what it normally represents, and it makes perfect sense to me whereupon it might not to you in the present, in this context."

-

-

"It is a card of motherhood. Of giving birth. A maturing of the personality. It can mean many things, perhaps something coming to fruitation, but it is the combination of cards that confuses me. All the cards represent a similar action.. even this one...The Ubara of Coins. Again, a card of nurturing. Of creating a warm and secure environment. Too, it is a card that whispers of a bigheartedness. One who has a way with children. One who handles problems matter of factly. This card represents a woman...Actually, now that I see them all side by side, they all do. There is a calmness in this layout, a sereness a.. oneness. A love of grand personal displays. A love that is strong and protecting in nature. I see a time of quiet contentment with life. She, the Ubara, represents an atmosphere of warmth, trust and security. She is trusting by nature, while others trust her.. completely. And she is loyal to the end."

-

-

"The Entertainer of Wands. It represents unclear aims, avoiding the

consequences of one's actions. Depression. Moodiness. This is a card who

loves luxury, but only help make her feel better. Again a card of moodiness.

Though she has onest qualities, they may turn to petulance.

A person unable to keep a confidence. This card warns you to beware of flattery from a false friend. I think we are talking of two women, here, two that

are in your life. Two that have meant much to you. This woman is clearly a manipulator who tends to be shallow and ...and emotionally unstable."

-

-

Again, he nodded, because it made perfect sense to him. He thought that the same could not be said of Fate, and so for once, he lined things up so she could. It was a gamble, but she had been informally adopted, and done much for those of the rest of the family. "I still don't know who the male is, in the first card. I would like to say it's me, but I think we both know it's not." So he pushed the card off to one side, and pulled down the next two. "These are Bonnie. She's pregnant. It's mine. Hence some of the previous readings you gave me no doubt, because we had more than a few obstacles to overcome, including..." And here he drew down the last card in the group. "...a woman from my past that I thought I might have a future with. It did not work out, so we come back around." Or so was the way he saw it, and looked upward again now to see if that computed in her brain. "Bonnie not being my sister, we are free to no longer worry about certain issues that would have come up." Yes, deplorable morality, he knew. Such was his life:

-

-

Fate thought on that for a moment, nodding, the pieces generally fitting together. "The first card, the Ubar of Cups." Back went the telling finger to touch the tip of card, revisiting. "I see many of these traits in you. Calmness. Whether you realize it or not, you always exude a certain quiet, one that other's would think of as composed. Diplomatic. Now here I would have no idea how you run your business, but when I see you, I see a man who listens to both sides of a story before making up his mind. Tolerant and caring. That I see everytime you pick up Charm, or you give her a gift. Fatherhood.. well, now that one is pretty obvious now. This card often denotes a man with brown or hazel eyes, tan skin, dirty blonde.. or dark brown hair. And seeing that it has been matched up with the Ubara of coins, it's mate.. Bonnie's card, well, it all makes perfect sense to me. And congratulations by the way."

That Is Wrong

"I am sorry, but that is wrong." I've noticed she nevers uses conjunctions when speaking.

"As you suspected, your father was Zamalan, but

not hers. He had met the Carnalas when he first

arrived in Ar, but their minds were similar, so the

family was spared. Alliances were agreed upon."

-

"Your mother looked much like Madaline,

so I am not so surprised about his labeling Bonnie's

mother his muse. Zamalan was once very prosaic;

it is why I was so taken aback when I found out about

his activities in Ar. It was so unlike him. Your mother

passed away when you were born, and when he

disappeared, I must assume now back to Ar, you were

brought to the other branch of the Simons to live.

Bonnie's mother and father were glad to have

a son to inherit the property, you see."

-

-

-

-

-

-

Yes, I can well imagine Madaline being pleased not to have to ruin her figure by bearing another child in the hopes of having a son. How much more practical to have one delivered straight to her doorstep. I have to assume that what she wanted, however, isn't quite what she got. Hence at least of the reason for the plots and schemes surrounding the shots. Make me forget. Make Bonnie dependent. How nice for Madaline.

Betrayal

My motions are controlled, the

muscles too often betraying me,

are kept in tight form, away from the

eyes of the staring, eager crowds. This

treachery is not for them to know or see.

Resulting web of tension underlying

my skin, my mind, is then given up

in too-fleeting moments with you, to

see what you will make of it. Satin

blushes and fevered pitch questions.

More, you ask, and it seems it is always

there to give. Where the tendons and sinew

of my own body will not allow me freedom, I

am able to feel it release into you. The dark

eyed and hourglass design of you raised.

Even when no one else understands.
And because no one else has to.

Pulse

I've lost them both. I don't know what to do. There is only one thing keeping me aware, one thing keeping me awake, one small pulse of life surging still for which I would do anything.

Family

a-dul-ter-y [uh-duhl-tuh-ree] –noun, plural -ter-ies.
voluntary sexual intercourse between a companioned person and someone other than his or her lawful spouse.

Bonnie..."What did she do to us Lucian?"

"I don't know."

Breathe.

"Did you ever wonder how

we came to have our coloration?

All of father's family had brown hair

and eyes, all but him...Perhaps they met

at the ceremony, and she was fascinated

by him. It would explain why certain traits

did not show up in father or grandfather."

But they are in me.

Zamalan...'Madaline, my muse'.

Tal Madrias,

I need you to conduct a more thorough search of the school, and the houses of any of his past associates. Something is missing, but I don't yet know what it is. I believe it goes without saying that the letter should be delivered to me personally. My sister is not to know of this. If anything should happen here, I will send her to you.

Regards,

Lucian

Lucian,

I am ok

for you

to hurt me.

-Your XXXX

It is my special gift.

Regret

"The Ace of Swords...card of truth, justice, fortitude and...cognition...reversed. There is confusion, ignorance and faulty diagnosis. A violent, self destructive temper. An intellect that gets in the way of finding solutions. Headaches could be present. Sometimes foggy thinking. There is violation, overkill and domination. The Warrior of Coins...card of cautiousness and thoroughness...the card of a man who knows what he wants, and hold back nothing to get it. The Eight of Wands... card of quick action, a conclusion and news...reversed. Quarrels, hasty actions that are regretted. There could be a foggy situation where the right action is anyone's guess. There is confusion, and soon you will find that all your arrows are spent, you left empty handed and still at a loss. This card warns not to make any hasty actions, for those actions will only bring about negative results...Beware of recklessness. Ten of Swords...card of bottoming out and ruin. It can also be a card of a victim mentality, or... martyrdom. It denotes a final choice. A destruction, a defeat. Again confusion is laced in this card. There is a decision to be made, and once made, there will be no turning back. This, paired with your last card, also whispers that now is not the time to make that decision. It could mean failure and ruin in all that you know."

Z

I can feel hands on my thighs,
but I don't turn my head yet.
The soft warmth of her mouth
closing over me, and the curl of
her tongue sliding up the shaft
to then contour and bring me in
more securely. The small noises
from the back of her throat, and
the sensation of her dark curls
against my skin. The scent that is
uniquely her filling my awareness
so that I told hold of the sides of her
face and keep her directed toward
her task...

"crave...your work".

"...whether he understands it or not..."

1, 2, 3

"regret nothing"

She's whimpering now, unable to
speak, so I pull her back and she
begs with her eyes, her parted lips.
I draw her up as I roll my shoulders
off the couch, sliding my hands down
to catch hold of her waist her hips. She
sinks upon me, her head falling back.

4, 5, 6

"Yours, Madaline"

My face is buried in her hair,
the pins are strewn about.
Her hips roll, keeping her in that
self-imposed rhythm as my breath,
teeth, and fingers ply themselves to
peaks mirroring, in their hardened state,
the length of me upon which she plunges
herself. Twisting, writhing, moaning,
kneading, tasting, gasping
for breath.

7, 8, 9

Tears are coursing down her cheeks,
and just as she begins to reach that
place of bliss I tell her no. She sobs,
and with the few final thrusts I sate
my own needs, leaving hers to continue.
Drawing out, my hand takes over,
touching her surely, but barely. I am
behind her, covering her with part of
my body, yet leaving her more naked
and exposed. She shudders. My hand
edges out, giving a final course to that
one, single point.
Needy.
So close.
Aching.
I tell her to sleep,
knowing she will not
reach that state
again for some time.

I roll over, dazed, and see daylight
coming through my window. The
ahn seems later than normal, and
I look upon the waterclock sitting on
my desk. It is


10

Strange Days

I am back in Ar now, and what a strange few days it has been. I feel I ought to mention it all here, but I'm not even sure I will remember it enough to do the situations on an individual level true justice. That said, I will try.

First, the school in Port Cos opens next hand. My colleagues saw fit to choose my assistant, a graduate student of my own caste. A blonde. Yes, I think it rather goes without saying that it might have been a bit short-sighted on the parts of my fellow Scribes to put a blonde in my office. To make matters worse [or better?] she is everything a free woman is supposed to be-cold and ill-humored. I'm going to enjoy bringing her down a notch or two.

Second, it seems the Arian Warrior I entered into an agreement with to try to block Cosian interests in Port Cos has betrayed an alliance he had with my cousin. Something to do with my turning on him, which is of course ridiculous since I only aided a fellow of my own caste, who is not Cosian. He made Ostia cry apparently, and Bonnie was so angry she was swearing like a pirate when she came back to the house. It took some work to calm my sibling down, but I think she is less intent on murdering him now than she was then.

I opened the school here in Ar this hand, and met with Peter and Sydney's children. Billy ran in, and then went into hiding somewhere in the hall. Nashoti wishes to be a Scribe, as do Nephtys, and of course Rett [who I still contend, albeit it silently-might be my son through one of my various affairs here in the city]. Sean was gleeful that homework does not have to be turned in every day, and Sahara started having a minor meltdown. Nephtys and I were in my office, where she was explaining that she had found a child of four at the cafe the other day, then brought the child back, and had been keeping her in her dorm room all this time. It was then we heard the noises from the classroom, and went back to see Sahara in tears. Her brothers tried to figure out the cause, as she had been late to class, but judging by her age and answers to their questions, I had the boys leave the room. My deductions were correct, Nepthys and I stayed with her, and Sydney came to collect her daughter. Reminding Nephtys to explain the situation surrounding the little girl to Sydney too, I took my leave of the school for the day. I practically raised my sister, so it wasn't anything I hadn't dealt with before, although it had been a long time and I was tired from our trip back from Port Cos.

Speaking of my sister, she has entered into a companionship again, this time with a Scribe. He's an odd creature, but positively dotes on her, which of course Bonnie relishes. We had a small, private ceremony here at Stylus, and they remained for the night. Something about his mother's nerves. At any rate, I heard them running up the stairs last night, there was a great deal of laughter, and then some other sounds I determined to block out. That went on for some time, and I went to sleep exhausted.

Home Again

A turn of good fortune, and the man I thought strictly a Warrior has taken Lilah back out of the shadows to return her to us. A few further secrets added to my trove, but then, I seem to keep those better than anything tangible. While I cannot say I like him, being that I only like about four people really, he is not the marked idiot I thought he might be during our previous interaction. And of course, I prefer to have the sweet cousin home where I can look out for her.

Meanwhile, Bonnie, Sekret, and I are going to Port Cos. I'll actually be going back and forth due to the school, while those two put together some clothing for Bonnie's pending companionship ceremony. He's a Scribe, I'm a Scribe, they're Scribes, we're all Scribes. If Bonnie has a child, it will be a Scribe too. We're taking over the face of Gor. I always knew it would happen, just a matter of time.

Lilah

It's the sort of thing a man hopes never to live through twice. I lost Bonnie for decades due to her love for the abusive Warrior that was her companion. Now, Lilah has followed in her footsteps. She stayed behind at the fair while I went on to Port Cos, consorting with one of the Red who had already broken her heart once. I tried to resolve the matter in my mind, but when we saw the same man and his brother a few days later, he almost hit her. Nothing much I can do against two Warriors, not as a man unskilled in warfare, and not in peak physical condition by any means. He was bleeding from the nose, muttering something about being chipped. She chose to go with him, and I told her never to step foot in my house again. With Bonnie gone, and Ostia the way she is, the last of my family life is over.

Things go well in Port Cos. I hate the people, who spend a great deal of time trying to prove how bold they are or how important. But, my colleagues have been very successful in their attempts to take over territories and defend what we already have.

Fair

I've been at the En Kara Fair for the last few days, along with Lilah, Fate, and several people that are part of Melaina's caravan. I've spent quite a sum on spices and oils, some perfumes, a couple of table runners, and legions of chocolate. I plan to spend quite a bit more. I still need to spoil my cousin.

We'll be going to Port Cos for a few days, then return for the dance. I need to check on the situation among the other Scribes at the Old Academy. I also think Lilah could use a change of scenery.

[This post had to be reduced due to the previous SL being voided. The original cause was related to the post following this one, and had nothing to do with the Black Caste. The choice to void the possession SL, to avoid their anger, was not made by myself. That aspect would have been played out if the previous issue had not come to light.]

Traveling

I sent the information I'd accumulated to the caste leader, to do with as he wished. I'd gone to the tavern three nights in a row in order to speak to him, but there was no sign of his presence, and I didn't have the time to wait any longer.

I'm back with the caravan, and we should be reaching the fairegrounds in a day or so. The actual events begin three days from now. I plan to spoil Lilah while we're there, and then go on to Port Cos, where I plan to stay for awhile. The original plan had been to go on to Schendi, but it can wait. I think Lilah and I are both weary of Ar for now, and the change will do myself, and my cousin, some good. My last stop in Port Cos was brief, but there is a lot to do, especially with the district wars in progress. I had a note from Furius, and I am curious what the man has to say.

On the Move

A certain amount of reconnaisance work had been done when he left the tavern. Going through the streets at this time of evening meant there were fewer about, though the Anbar could never really be called empty by any means. Going to one of the smaller brothels, he touched base with the owner, making a deal regarding a certain free woman that was the companion of the owner's present lover. It wasn't anything of the ordinary, a simple job of drawing the woman into an incriminating situation, fitting her with a collar, and then having her hauled to the brothel in exchange for a few simple facts. It had gone well, and he'd gone home to find his sister in the main room, Smith showing up not long afterward.


Out of hatch number five. Once in daylight again, he turned the crank, then used his knee to roll the rock back over the top. The line of bushes did the rest, and he looked around before stepping over them to go into the streets. A
few moments later, he was in the Square, clad in layers of dull, drab, and dusty brown. Head covered, and mud smeared onto his hands. Going toward the fountain, he sat on the edge, waiting:

Time ticked by. To an onlooker, he was just a man taking a break from toils at some filthy job, and the free woman who came in her expensive robes a few ehn later much above in his station. She stopped to rest as well, dropping her
fan at her feet. Leaning down slowly, he picked it up, saying something to her. Holding still to the device, he looked down at it, the woman flipping her head round as if offended by his jest. He'd a smile breaking on his
countenance, though it was largely hidden from the nose up due to his brown hat:

Handing her back the fan, and given a sound smack on his arm, the smile faded. Mainly because the need for it had come to an end. The free woman reached upward, adjusting the covering over her hair, and while her hands were by her
face, whispered a few swift words. A concealed wink too there, and then she whirled about, slipping back into the crowd on her lofty heels. Successful interaction, he didn't look around to see if they had been noticed. Or if he did,
it was also hidden as he bowed his head down, arms folded:

Once the main flood of mid day persons had passed him by, he smoothly stepped forward from off the ridge of the fountain, mingled back into the crowd. It took no small amount of effort to keep the limp out of his gait, but he
accomplished it until he was around the next corner. Cutting a line down the street, he ducked into one of the more meagre inns, and would remain there for some time:
What went unseen unless one were in the inn...His going toward the back, where a private room was located, and pushing a side panel on the fireplace. A descent made down into the basement, and retrieval of a few notes hidden under
the stairs. From there, he went back into the main room, having his lunch since breakfast had been skipped. He didn't examine the notes in public, but would instead wait until he was either back in the tunnel or at Stylus:


I have been working on the project I agreed upon with the head of the Black Caste, and two nights ago finished. I'd walked to the house, and was almost there when I heard steps behind me. Turning and grabbing the women I saw outlined, it turned out to be the slave, who'd been out running and rounded the corner too quickly. I released her, and had her follow me to place across the street from the Warrior's residence. He exited not long after, and I watched him go. He eats his evening meals in a tavern nearby when his companion is working late at her shop. It gave me time to speak to the slave, though she did some acting so our standing there would not seem out place. When the Warrior returned, I pulled her to her feet, and grabbed her ass. He commented on that fact it was fine, and I agreed, albeit it not out loud since I was also at the time kissing her. There is a ball in her tongue, which of course I have seen many times while she was speaking, but never had in my mouth as well. It's a very curious thing.

Change of Mind

In my last entry I finished by saying that house being quiet is always a problem. I've changed my mind. Aside from one night in the tunnels two nights ago, I have been sleeping exclusively at Stylus, and without the usual round of problematic dreams. I eat alone. I read alone. I write alone. It isn't a problem at all.

If I have a problem, it's with the Black Caste. I believe they think I intend to steal Rio, the Assassin's slave that poses as a white silk. I don't. As I have told her many times, I like my head where it is, and she is just a slave. I don't lose my social standing or my life over women, even beautiful ones.

I had the opportunity at one point to join their ranks, but did not take it because I like not having enforced codes to live by, and I wouldn't lower my caste standing.

Daylight

I've emerged, and I remember now why I have never liked confronting daylight. It's one of the few things I can undermine only so far, before I have to admit defeat. The tunnels were a form of solace, as much as a way to get around the city without being seen, and now I am out of them.

Only a couple of days have past, but much has already happened. The fortune teller came across me at the arena, and using her skills, determined my destiny. Well, at least what my destiny would have been, had I managed to keep to my plan not to make any plans at all that night. It seems her former in-laws are holding her daughter hostage, so I told her to look up Guenther at the Bronze Urt, and to let him know Jacque had sent her. He'll have the child back soon, I'm sure of it. She offered me free readings for the rest of my life, or hers, whichever came first. I was slightly annoyed that everyone always feels I expect payment for whatever kindness I might show. Then again, there was that voice in the back of my head saying I should demand a great deal more than a reading. Instead, I hired her as my cook.

Just last night one of my former pupils found me. She's grown now, and I feel old. I've agreed that when my business is done in Port Cos, I will go with she and a group of friends to Schendi for a visit. I've not been to see Merrick or those of his city in awhile, and it will do me some good I suppose.

I've been keeping an eye out for Ostia, Lilah, and Bonnie, but so far none of them have surfaced. It's not unusual, however, since they all have their own business. Still, Stylus is rather quiet again. That's always a problem.