14-08-YC121

Oh, Katya!  Whatever are you thinking?

Whatever effect Ioannis is having on me, intentional or no, it seems to be overcoming my better judgement.  I am relieved that Lilya has asked, or rather ordered, me to return.  Some distance from that man is probably very wise.

I could have fallen into bed with him tonight; indeed, I almost did!  Had it not been for the mood being somehow broken, I am sure I would not be waking up in my tent tomorrow morning.  Stupid foolish girl that I am - imagine the scandal!

I still cannot quite fathom him.  He appears genuine and honest - certainly he has spoken openly, even after we kissed, about his understanding for my feelings toward Constantin.  I think many would not be so accepting, nor so patient.  He has also been quite candid about his dislike of certain institutions of our Empire, which fits exactly with his statements on the IGS.  Admittedly, he did qualify his statements by claiming he would never take active measures against any of the Big Four, regardless of aspects of their cultures he may find distasteful, including his own.

I also questioned him outright on his reasons for inviting me to accompany him.  Apparently, when planning the project with representatives of Hedion University and the Sarum Family, it was made quite clear by Sarum that they wanted someone on the project with proven connections and loyalties to the Family.  I must admit that Ioannis is probably quite correct that individuals with those qualities and experience in archaeology are probably not particularly numerous.  Apparently it was Professor Gruhmanian, who is with us on this site, who put forward my name.  That, of course, is most flattering - I would not have thought the good Professor would have remembered me, one student out of who knows how many he has taught, especially as it was only for a course of guest lectures for one semester at the Academy.

So, I have my explanation as to why I am here.  Perhaps I am being overly suspicious, and Ioannis has no ulterior motives for my presence.  There is, I think, some genuine feeling there for me, but I cannot think of that now.  It is far too soon, and even if that were not the case, Lilya has summoned me back to my duties, and I must obey.  Ioannis has his own matters to attend to as well, and shall be leaving early tomorrow afternoon, long after I have already left.

Oh, Lilya, your words to me are not forgotten!  I wonder how things shall be between us.  She seemed most earnest when she said it, but...oh, this is all so very confusing that is it any wonder I am getting so many headaches, and restless nights without sleep?  Lilya says that she loves me, but she remains, I think, with Doctor Monakh; the man I love, Constantin, no longer loves me, but instead is with the woman who was once with the man who now professes such admiration of me!  A man about whom I have mixed feelings, yet cannot deny a certain attraction to.

A certain attraction!  Really, Katya, be honest with yourself, if no-one else.

Tonight, Ekaterina Mariya deSilvestris, you attempted to seduce Ioannis Sepphiros, not the other way around!