27-08-YC125

I attended the 20th anniversary celebrations last night and, as always with LUMEN events, they were a wonderful mix of song, dance, and religious observation.

I took Lena with me as the importance of such an occasion demands having one's handmaid; besides which she is such an astute observer having her eyes and ears I though would prove useful.  One never knows what valuable information people may inadvertently drop at these gatherings.

The religious floats and icons were awe-inspiring.  Sadly I expect the deeper meaning was lost on the guests not of The Faith, but such spectacle is not for them.  I must say that the display was of such quality as to rival a Holy Day in Nakri, such was the strength of belief and respect.

One unexpected blessing was Riccoda, whom I have not seen in such a long time.  He was as sweet, lovely, and kind as ever, and oh how I have missed him.  The poor dear has been under such pressures and trouble that it is little wonder he has been scarcely present, but I hope such things are behind him now and we shall see much more of him soon.  He spoke of returning to combat, and if it is not too wicked of me to tease so, we are fortunate he is a lot more skilled at fighting than dancing.

I was surprised not to see Ishta there - or was I?  She too has been scarce, though for quite different reasons.  I cannot say I entirely agree with her shunning us as she does, even if I do understand why she feels it must be so.  I pray that vile business is done with soon.  The petty revenge of vacuous lords is so unseemly.

Speaking of which, it seems someone is troubling the Directrix.  I do hope she accepts my offer of help.  Unfortunately there are those who still judge her by her social rank rather than by her obvious, and surely famous, merits, and they are the sort who shall only listen to the words of other nobles.  It is of constant irritation to me that someone as loyal, devoted, Faithful, and intelligent as the Directrix does not hold the Titles and Privileges she so clearly deserves by her nature.

Ah, but how exquisite and beautiful she looked, and with the healthy glow of a woman in her condition!  I do hope she will forgive me for my mindless lack of etiquette.  Perhaps she will not notice, as I am not sure if many outside of Nakri have this way, but I should not have asked her how long she was due!  I do not know what came over me to be so crude and thoughtless.  Lena quite rightly admonished me afterwards and I have offered my Prayers this morning to the healthy and happy birth of the child.

Children!  There was an overgrown child at the celebrations in the form of Edward.  He acts like some sort of school-boy struggling with hormones.  As usual he was surrounded by a gaggle of fawning admirers like some sort of degenerate Gallente holo-star and his - what do they call them?  Groupers or some such?  It was amusing, in a way, yet also rather tiresome.  It simply encourages his worst behaviours, strutting around like one of the peacocks in the Gardens District.  It must have stoked his arrogance also, as he had some sort of encounter with one of the Directrix's operatives.  I do not know who she is, nor what this disagreement was over, but where Edward is concerned is likely something inane and inconsequential.  Lena tells me she overheard him claim that the woman he was speaking to "rejected" him - so I can likely guess what that about.

At least Kley did not start a fight with him, although it did look like she was trying to provoke him for some reason.  She is far more suited to a battlefield than a ballroom.  I also heard someone address her as "IlKhan".  Quite unseemly.

Thank Goodness we had that beautiful music and choir to brighten our evening!

 14-08-YC125

I have begun my official duties as LUMEN liaison officer to the Federation, or at least Edward's little patch of it.  As I expected, Commander Adams has lined himself a plush little nest with an impressive view of the city.  It amuses me how many of the Federation's high and mighty leaders speak so loudly of equality for all, yet lord it over their lower classes as much as any petty feudal chieftain amongst the Tribals.

Apparently he had concerns over my taking this role.  He did not elaborate and I did not press, although I am rather curious as to what they were.  I do not think they are entirely allayed, either.  Perhaps my upbringing as a noble is what worries him?  Every girl learns how to navigate Amarrian court politics at their Mama's knee; the petty machinations of the Federation are as child's-play.

Case in point, I was happy for him to lay out his doubts over LUMEN's activities, and he was quite open and honest about his suspicions, unfounded as they may be.  What need would we have of using the cover of tending to the religious needs of the Faithful in that area to spread some hidden agenda of the Reclaiming, when all that is required is to show people the power of that Faith?  They shall soon come flocking when they see the Salvation offered, with no clandestine alternative programme required.

I do hope, however, that our people who are undertaking these ministrations are keeping watch for any heresies, especially that of Nauplius' making.  That will need to be dealt with, irrespective of Federation laws.

Now I am aware of what Edward is watching for, it will be easier to avoid his gaze.  Bless him, he is very sweet when he allows himself to be, but so terribly naïve. I have, of course, reported our conversation to the Directrix, and await any further additional orders.  I see so many potential operations here, even after being here for only a day.

Speaking of operations, I have my own concerns, but over Kley.  I spoke to her before leaving for the Federation, and I am convinced she is becoming ever more dangerous, as if such a thing were possible.  She spoke quite openly of detonating a significant yield weapon in Port Sarum, simply to deny it to the enemy.  All very well and good, when one has the orders to do so, and I very much doubt she has.  Regardless of her unilateral proclamation of Holdership, Port Sarum is not her playground to destroy as she likes.  I appreciate she does not have the breeding, and thus education, to realise her full responsibilities as a Holder, but surely she should realise that it does not belong to her as private property?  She Holds it in the name of Lord Sarum.  It is not hers to obliterate.

More worrying is what she said about expecting to be tried as a traitor upon her return.  Aside from the fact that a trial would be more than she has given to the Holders she found in Raravoss, surely if any action causes a Paladin of our Order to think the consequences may include being accused of treachery, then they should cease immediately from taking that action!  Thoughts of potential disloyalty and betrayal should not even enter the mind of a Paladin.

But I am beginning to suspect that Kley has lost hers entirely.