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.