27-08-YC123

Aldrith is leaving us.  I am not sure what I feel about that exactly.  It does not, in fact, surprise me, but something does seem rather ironic about it.  He finds himself, as ever, the darling of our Lord Sarum, so perhaps he feels he has outgrown the Praetorians.  It has been clear for some time that Aldrith's loyalties do not follow the same hierarchy as the Praetorians in general.

I am just curious as to where he places himself.

Doubtless the enemy within will try to make some sort of meaningless propaganda from it.  I could not care less.  I have every faith in Chapter Master Lok'ri leading us forward.  I expect Aldrith will manage to take one or two of the others with him into whatever Sarum levy he is establishing, but I shall be neither asking nor be asked to join.  Being accepted into the Order is still, and shall always be, my proudest achievement, and when I took my vows and swore my oaths, I meant them.

Someone has to.

 22-08-YC123

Going to the ball was exactly the correct decision.

Such a wonderful night, and I am quite sure everyone present had a delightful time.  The music was absolutely divine.  Firstly an orchestra, followed by Arline performing a very heartfelt and moving piano piece.  I fear she does not give herself the credit she deserves for her talent, but not only that, there was something very personal about the piece.  Quite brave of her to play it at such an event and I must make time to speak to her about it.

Arline was followed by a traditional ensemble, who played some very lively tunes.  I thought the waltz was enjoyable enough, but when the dancing became even more energetic, the night really came alive, and one of the highlights must surely have been the Chapter Master performing a sword dance!  I never would have dreamed of seeing such a sight, but I am very glad I did.

Utari and his dear Lady Lasairiona had some very happy news.  They are engaged! Not a surprise in the slightest, of course, as they have made such a handsome couple for as long as I can remember, but an excellent excuse for added joyfulness.

The Directrix and her husband were there also, as was Gah'Matar, amongst many others.  It is heart-warming to see our allies at these occasions for it speaks of the close bonds of Loyal and Faith we all share.  Ishta even brought Sasha along, and though I did not get to speak with them much, every time I looked over they seemed to be enjoying themselves, especially in the faster paced dances.

I am glad to say I did my own fair share of dancing, and I had the sweetest partner for the evening.  Dear Riccoda overcame his inherent shyness and I am very pleased he did.  He is quite the accomplished dancer and a most attentive gentlemen.  There are many who could learn from his example of how to properly treat a lady.

And now I know he has a hidden side and a far deeper quality.  If the Chapter Master's sword dance was unexpected, how then should I describe Riccoda's main action of the evening?  It quite took my breath away.  We had just sat down to eat and rest ourselves from a dance, when, without a word of warning, he presented to me the most beautiful little polished wooden box.  I thought, for a moment, he was going to propose!  But no, inside was, or rather is, for I have it here in front of me as I write, a small bottle, sealed tight, filled with the clearest, purest water.  It is, he told me, the last of the water from the well his family maintained for centuries - 2700 years old!  I still do not entirely understand why he has given such an important family artefact to me, but I know from what he told me that for him to do so is such a momentous, important act for him.  It came from his heart, and it symbolises so much more than a family legacy.  He spoke, just for a moment, of now being the only heir of his family name, but would say no more.  He also mentioned some very strange, something about how this well, that his family had protected for countless generations, had been destroyed by someone from Nakri!  At least, that is what it sounded like.  He would say nothing further and I do not wish to press him on such a delicate, perhaps painful, subject.  I may tell him of his own volition, in time.  I pray that he does.

So I shall hold this gift close to my heart and keep it safe from all possible danger.  A small kiss seems such a poor return for something of such pricelessness, and so I shall look for something I can give in return, to show dear Riccoda that I recognise the honour he does me.  Perhaps there is an ancient wrong that must be righted.

Or perhaps it is a sign of what the future should bring.

 20-08-YC123

Ishta is now inserted into the Koval household.  Not as her, of course.  Quite strange and wonderful the things that can be done with cloning technology.

I am not sure what she expects to find, though I suppose that if there is indeed anything to find, this will be the most likely method of doing so.  She is in constant contact with Control, though should anything go awry - and I pray to God and the Eternal Empress they do not - I do not, in all honesty, really know what we could do.  It is not as if we could suddenly storm the home of our rivals.  Rather foolishly we did not finalise Ishta's exit strategy, at least not to my satisfaction, but Ishta does have a rather wildly cavalier streak so I should not be so surprised.

The Tribals attempted some operation or other above Floseswin.  It seems to have caused something of a stir in the Imperial militia who, for some strange reason, accused Aldrith of all people of disloyalty and heresy!  Heresy.  Those idiots barely know the meaning of the word, they just throw it around whenever someone, anyone, does anything they dislike.  That jumped up gopnitsa Saronu Yassavi is the worst for it, although as one might expect her influence in this case is hidden in the background, manipulating others to do her bidding.  If anyone is a traitor it is her.  Fortunately, however, a rather strong comment from Olacar Xer Sarum has more than stopped any foolishness, even it no doubt has also inflated Aldrith's ego to near-dangerous proportions.

I tease.  That said, I am pleased Aldrith did stop whatever the Tribals were attempting.  Whilst Operation Snegovschina is still underway, I would rather there was as little activity as possible from the enemy.  The more the general population on Floseswin believe that their would-be liberators are seeing traitors and enemies everywhere and targeting even the innocent, the better.  How fortunate that human nature means their will always be someone willing to secure their position with the winning side.

It has not been all work and plotting.  The Directrix - Directrix Phonaga as she is now - gave a wonderful garden tour.  The children's garden in particular was delightful, and I have asked if we can meet for a talk about how such a thing might be created here in Nakri as a space for the many refugee children, some of whom are orphans, that fled here after the Raravoss disaster.  They deserve something to help them recover.  There is also the astounding environmental system that the Directrix developed to consider.  The dear Directrix was also kind enough to let me stay awhile in the reproduction of a Dam-Torsad garden, with it's beautiful statue of Saint Jamyl.  Miss Hennver accompanied me, and what an interesting young woman she is.  Most friendly, one has to say, and certain very open, but she seems a kind, caring soul.  She spoke of looking to work with the Praetorians, as she has worked with Khimi Harar.  I cannot make that sort of decision, of course, but if I am asked my opinion I shall say that I find her pleasant and positive.

There is also a ball tomorrow, held by ourselves.  In honesty, I am not sure, given past experiences, I am really suited to such functions, and I am tempted to make my excuses, but I suppose I should really attend, especially as we, the Praetorians that is, are the hosts.  After all, I cannot imagine there will be anyone there who is likely to sour my mood or make things difficult by their presence, so perhaps I should take the opportunity.  We have had some new Initiates too, including Lady Renaud, and perhaps Celeste and Amicia will be there.

I really should go.

 06-08-YC123

Foundation Day!

God Bless Amarr! God Bless Empress Catiz! God Bless Lord Sarum!

God and The Eternal Empress Bless us all!