This piece runs to 1,290 words, and I hope that you enjoy it.

Index Page.

Tallaig Nearabhaign's butler was pouring and serving the fortified wine for the assembled after dinner family in his employer's drawing room.  As they were a small family, two gentlemen and three ladies were present, Mr Nearabhaign had decided that he and his brother-in-law would join the ladies immediately rather than drinking alone in the dining room.  The butler, who went by Khaidhaign, thought this was an admirable idea as it both allowed the staff to clear up the dining room immediately and gave Mrs Nearabhaign little opportunity to rearrange the ornaments in the drawing room. She claimed this was to give the room "a woman's touch" but Khaidhaign suspected that she disliked the fact that her son had rearranged the details of the public rooms of the townhouse after she had removed to her dower property.  He did not suspect his employer's mother of stealing, but sometimes after her visits the maids found newer small ornaments tucked into odd places and he didn't think she realised that her behaviour made small theft by others easier.  It was part of Khaidhaign's job to be concerned about such things.

Many typos were eliminated in getting this piece ready to post.  Please let me know if you find any more.

This piece runs to 3,691 words.  I hope that you enjoy it.

Index Page.

Daighsday, 10 Naisen, 1893 C.E.
Rebi, 24 Lamtaa, 2157 T.M.L.

Dear Journal,

I woke earlier than I expected and before I had arranged to be woken - possibly because I was concerned about oversleeping.  I rang for warm water when I woke, asked for breakfast in my parlor at the usual time, and spent the extra time writing letter to my family so I could send them off to be posted when I went down for breakfast.  One thing I did learn from the chambermaid who brought me my water is that there is some excitement in the town this morning because an Imperial airship of the line came unannounced into the naval base last night - running dark across the Circle Sea, gossip she credited to the fishing fleet says, until it got within ten Imperial leagues of the naval base.  According to the chambermaid this is unusual - ships don't usually run dark like that and various merchants are hopeful that the vessel's (large) crew will get leave in the city while it is here.

This piece runs to 2,981 words, and I hope that you enjoy it.

Index Page.

 

Skaithosday, 8 Naisen, 1893 C.E.

Sulese, 23 Lamtaa, 2157 T.M.L.

Dear Journal,

I opened my curtains this morning to see that we were being paralleled by an Imperial sloop, the Scion of Wisdom, which was, indeed, close enough to read its name on the hull.  The flashing light I saw pointed at us from their bridge made me believe that they had been tasked to pass information to our ship that the captain and his officers needed.

I think I will keep up having the two dates at the beginning of each entry, and then add in a third one when she gets to her destination just so I know how everyone's calendars align with each other.  Any thoughts?

This piece runs to 1,632 words and I hope that you enjoy it.

Index Page.

 

Hakkarsday, 7 Naisen, 1893 C.E.

Asnan, 22 Lamtaa, 2157 T.M.L

Dear Journal.

No storm in the night last night, but perhaps it is to be expected as, on consideration, we are now slightly south of Amnestri,

At breakfast I was joined by Mr Taighaign, who sat opposite me. He is disembarking today in Mikratoil and wanted to say goodbye. Mrs Nyr sat beside me, I had taken the end seat at the table, and her husband and the rest of their family group were beyond her. Mrs Nyr asked how Mr Taighaign and I were related, and I explained that the Kerajaan hostels had required us to share a table, alone together, at meals in both Sengrangri and Palebihen Leningri. Mrs Nyr, whom I strongly suspect of having a dry sense of humour, said it sounded like very ham-fisted matchmaking. Mr Taighaign begged her not to give his mother ideas.

This piece runs to 1,543 words.  I hope that you enjoy it.

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Rhoinday, 6 Naisen, 1893 C.E.

Eheid, 21 Lamtaa, 2157 T.M.L.

Dear Journal,

Today is the first day of the Kerajaan week - it seems odd to me that their day of religious observance and rest just sits in the middle of the rest of the week.  Perhaps because I'm just a visitor I'm missing something about how the Kerajaans organise their lives.

This piece runs to 2,663 words and I hope that you enjoy it.

Index Page.

 

Brogaiday, 5 Naisen, 1893 C.E.

Sebti, 20 Lamtaa, 2157 T.M.L.

Dear Journal,

I fell asleep to the sound of thunder and what I think was the sound of waves on the seawall.  I hope it was the seawall - one hears stories about sea storms hitting the shore.

Another day, another city.  Anadrasata's travels continue, and she finds another cultural difference.

This piece runs to 920 words, and I hope that you enjoy it.

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Thuwnday, 4 Naisen, 1893 C.E.

Jimool, 19 Lamtan, 2157 T.M.L.

Dear Journal,

I think we ascended and descended again several times in the night, but I heard no lightning.  (Dear past me, did you expect to?  Really?)

When I went to breakfast, everything was laid out and the tables set, but only Mr Taighaign, Mr Saighaitumais, Dr Idhaisailt, and I were present, aside from the stewards.  When I remarked on this the steward to whom I made the remark (Ghaimus, a man my brother would describe as a 'splendid chap' if he employed him) told me that Jimool is the Kerajaan day of religious observance, and that most of the passengers were attending the prayer service in the second class lounge.  I sat with the three gentlemen while we all breakfasted and made general conversation.  Mr dh'Lhais joined us as I was finishing up, and almost embraced the teapot.  I think I could hear the other first class passengers returning from their service as I returned to my cabin.

Anyway, for your delectation here are two fly-on-the wall snippets running to a total of 1,177 words.  I hope that you enjoy them.

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"I don't understand why young Fhyailain hasn't taken her children home to her parents," said the Marquess to his solicitor.  The professional gentleman, dressed in a sober dark green coat over a brown and pewter waistcoat, had arrived at Lhong Hall to brief his noble client on recent developments.  The ructions of Caitus dh'Lhong, a younger nephew, being caught at what he was doing were spreading as the extent of those doings was uncovered.

This piece runs to 2,685 words.  I hope you enjoy it.

Index Page.
 

Naiphday, 1 Naisen, 1893 C.E.

Sulese, 16 Lamtan, 2157 T.M.L.

Dear Journal,

The second date at the top of today's page is today's date in the Kerajaan calendar.  I have no idea what T.M.L. stands for or what it means.

Because everyone except the Captain and the Chief Engineer have to leave the ship today and spend two nights in Sengrangri's hostel, this morning's prayer service was truncated and in the short form.  The entrical was recited by a professional actor, Mr Hairhai Ehaign, travelling in second class, this morning's verse for reflection was Naish, Chapter 4, Verse 17: "Remember that a guest is not a master, and that to stretch another's hospitality is to abuse it."  Two curates travelling separately read alternate sections of an episcopal letter dated 23 Ochd condemning "Spiritual Guidance for the Modern Woman" by the Reverend Zaim Fairdaice and recommending that anyone reading it for religious or moral instruction put it aside now.