I am writing again from the smoking room. I am still in my wedding gown, but I’ll be changing soon. I wanted to write my experiences of the past weekend, especially now.

You see, Serpente has just left the room & our conversation before his departure was quite… strange. He has certainly left me wondering. I have never seen him quite like this, but then again- he’s never seen me quite like this. Could it possibly be what it seems? I’m not sure what to think or what to hope.

Well, sometimes I find as I write that rethinking what has transpired helps me to see things more clearly. So, I shall begin where I left off…

I did go to the City Hall, where I spoke privately with Martina, the representative of the Nibelungen. It seems that she’d been expecting me. I told her of the mine, of which she had been aware, as well as my intentions to claim it only to turn it over to Trague. She stated that she could indeed handle the transaction & would do so at once. Apparently, she was also quite touched by the gesture & informed me that she would express her feelings on it to the Eisenfurst as well. When we had said our farewells, she repeated that she would send word about the transfer as soon as possible.

I was in quite a hurry to get home & await her confirmation, but I did take time to stop at my dressmaker to order my wedding gown and… jennies dress. The jenny dress, of course, being part of my plan to enter the camp of the General & set my plan in motion for his political demise.

But I shall get to that soon enough.

I gave the dressmaker an extra 50 guilders to forget that I had ordered the dress & she agreed readily. While there, I also ordered myself a new Captain’s outfit- all black with gold trim & laces. I figured it was about time, as I had lost one outfit to Hicks’ blade, leaving me down to two (and on long voyages, that's not a good thing).

On the way home, I stopped at several shops- buying a black shirt, pants, cloak & mask.  After dropping my packages off in my room, I made my way to the Cup of St. Gregor. I was let in the back door where, to my disappointment, someone met me other than Willem- an older, rather stern-looking man. When I asked his name, he simply replied, "A friend" to which I mused that his mother was not quite original in her naming of him, which broke the ice- a bit. At least he cracked a smile. I sat now & read him my shopping list of supplies:

a sleeping drug
a large vial of laxative
acid
glue
a small shovel.

He was quite obviously amused by the combination & I giggled, informing him that if I were to pull off what I have planned, the parade would be "quite entertaining", as well as thoroughly effective. He promised that everything I had asked for would be discreetly delivered in the morning & wished me luck.

I would pose for Christina for several hours before word from Martina would arrive, but it was in the form of an invitation. Once again, Niclaus Trague had personally invited me to the City Hall for dinner, immediately after the parade, tomorrow afternoon. I dismissed the artist & went directly to find my men. Serpente gladly agreed to escort me, while Erik chose to "sit this one out". I had Armin RSVP at once.

The next day, after breakfast, I went back to bed, leaving instructions that I would need to be woken at sunset.  I could tell that by now that my unusual secrecy was beginning to bother Serpente, though he still asked no questions of me. That evening I packed my supplies into my jenny dress’s pockets & put it into a bag. For the trip, I would dress in my black clothes & cloak, hair tied back.

I walked out past the city limits & through the shantytown that had grown outside of it, stopping to give my remaining 6 guilders to some of the poor, starving residents. As soon as the camp was in view, I stopped in a small grove of trees to freshen my makeup, let my hair down, powder my tattoo & don my working girl clothes. Strangely- I felt right at home in them.

After leaving my bag up in one of the branches, I staggered up to the entrance of the camp- acting a bit tipsy & oblivious. Once there, I was stopped by 2 guards who asked what my business was here. I told them that a Lieutenant had sent for me- um… um…. Oh, Silly Me, I forget his name! They looked thoughtfully at each other & one asked, "Lieutenant Vaugherhoff?" "Oh, yes. I think that’s it." I giggled.

Well, they were a little reluctant to allow me in, but I promised to take care of both of them on my way out, and that changed their minds. One of them led me into the camp & pointed out the proper tent to me. I peeked my head into the tent flap & a distinguished, middle aged man looked up from his desk. He invited me in, asking what I was doing there.

I told him that my name was Sophie & that he had sent for me. Of course, he replied that he hadn’t, but while I was here… were my services paid for? I replied that they had- in fact, I had been paid for anything he wanted for the entire evening. He smiled now, offering me a seat close to him. In that case, he said, he would gladly accept me. He poured wine & flirted, inviting me over to his bed.

I joined him there, but then acted concerned, saying that it had been a long walk & my, how hungry I was! He immediately went to get some food for me as "I would require all of my energy for this evening". By this point, however, I am convinced he would have done anything I asked.

The second he was out of sight, I pulled out the small box of sleeping powder & emptied it into his glass, mixing it with my finger until all traces disappeared. He returned shortly with a plate of fruit & meat. I ate it seductively, sucking my fingers after each piece, and with each bite he grew obviously more eager.

I offered a toast, "to tonight", and we drank. It wasn’t long before his head was in my lap- and he was sleeping soundly. I undressed him & tucked him into bed before changing again into my black clothes, cloak & mask.

The jenny dress, I stuffed under the bed.

After waiting until all sounds died down outside, I cut a hole into the back wall of the tent & crawled out into the darkness. I moved from shadow to shadow, unnoticed, scoping out the camp layout. Next to what was obviously the General’s tent was another well-guarded one. I deduced that this might be where the tribute money was hidden.

So, I snuck around the back, pulled up a tent-stake & squeezed myself beneath the wall. Sure enough, I would find a padlocked box on a platform with wooden handles on either side. I had found my first target!

I squatted down beside it & fumbled around for my small vial of acid, but a loud snore interrupted my thoughts. Sure enough, a guard was sleeping on a cot in the room! There was an empty bottle on a small table beside him, but I didn’t want to count on his being out without intervention. So- I stood, pulling out my rapier, and punched him in the head with the butt end of it- with the wrong effect! I woke him! His eyes opened & he sat up, but I bashed his head again- this time knocking him out cold.

With a relieved sigh, I returned to the safe & proceeded to drop acid into the keyhole of the lock, burning it open. With my small shovel, I dug a hole into the ground beneath the platform, afterwhich, I put all of the mark coins into the hole & covered it over quite well w/ earth. I used the extra dirt to replace the money that had been removed before closing the safe & gluing the padlock shut again.

I chuckled a bit silently, thinking of the poor General giving a tribute of dirt to Trague. I couldn’t wait to see my prank play out!

Ahhh, but this was just the beginning!

Quite pleased with myself, I crawled back out underneath the tent, but as I went to stand, I kicked a rock- which rolled out along the ground. It wasn’t loud, but obviously loud enough to alert the guard. Someone caught sight of me, the alarm was raised, and I now found myself running… into a group of soldiers. I fought them quickly & effectively, but ended up taking a hard slice across my middle in the process.

I ran, in pain & bleeding now, my cloak over my midsection. Fortunately, I managed to reach my Lieutenant’s tent & enter back through the hole I had cut in the wall. I ripped off my clothes, stuffed them under the bed & climbed under the covers- naked, sure to conceal all of my tattoos with the blanket.

Before long, I would hear the sound of footsteps approach. I closed my eyes & wrapped myself, suggestively, around the officer- pretending to be asleep. I heard the tent flap open & someone step in, leaving almost immediately with "Nobody in here".

After their footsteps had disappeared into the distance, I got out of bed, washed my wound & dressed once more in my jenny dress. I sat up the rest of the night drinking in boredom.

Finally, revelie was sounded, waking my Lieutenant. He sat up, sleepy-eyed, holding his head- complaining that it hurt. I sat beside him on the bed, now, kissing his face gently & informing him that he had drank quite a bit the night before, but his performance was phenomenal! As I had hoped, he pretended along with me- convinced that he must have been that great.

Having finished phase one of my plan successfully, I gave my farewell & followed by many a catcall, headed directly to the mess tent. Once there, I peered into the kitchen area. The cook noticed me immediately & asked what I was doing there. I simply, shyly replied that cooks fascinated me.

With each word, I stepped slowly into the room, closing the flap behind.

I sat up on the table in front of him, leaning my chest into his face & went on about how, in my profession, I didn’t get much choice as to what type of man I could have- but if I had a choice I would want a man who could cook.

The poor man didn’t stand a chance- he fell under my spell oh so easily!

I asked him if he would cook something for me- something sweet, and he readily agreed, going on about what a wonderful custard he could make for me as he walked away to find the proper ingredients.

While he was away, I took out the large vial of laxative & poured the entire contents into the simmering pot of oats that was to be the camp’s breakfast. The cook would return, all smiles, carrying a small bowl of cream custard topped with fresh berries. I must admit, it smelled quite appetizing, so I dug in & actually, I was quite impressed- the army cook had talent!

I complimented him on his creation, taking some up on my finger & licking it off. He blushed & stammered that he needed to go feed the men now, but he wouldn’t be long…

After he left for the front & once my custard was gone (it was too good not to finish), I left out the back of the tent. Remembering my promise to the men at the gate, I took a roundabout way from the camp, circling back around to the road to town. At the grove of trees, I changed once again into my black outfit & cloak- packing my jenny dress back into the bag.

It was still early morning when I arrived home, so I had time to nap with Allende. At breakfast, Serpente & I discussed the upcoming dinner at the City Hall, as well as the preceding parade.

I barely managed to hold in my laughter as I told him that, yes, we must be present at the parade- in fact, we must be at the Wachturm when the General arrives. When he asked why, I simply stated that that would be the most interesting portion of the event. He smiled slyly; seeming to have picked up on something, though I know at the time he wasn’t even sure what.

Before we were to leave, I needed to see Armin. I called for him when my meal was done & the butler followed me into my room. I closed the door & began undoing my bodice, revealing the thick gash in my belly.

He told me to lie down & went to retrieve his medical kit. Shaking his head, he said, "You are certainly more active than Lord Jeremy ever was." I couldn’t help but laugh at that remark. After he finished stitching me up, he made me promise to take it easy over the next few days, to clean it & not stress the stitches as he had hoped to have me around for a long time to come. It was quite touching, really. Once the stitches on my arm were removed, I dressed & made my way downstairs.

I was quite eager to view my handiwork of the previous evening in action. Serpente & I arrived at the Wachturm around 3:00. While we were stopped at the gate, I gave my name & we were escorted in at once- up to the entrance of the tower itself. Before long, Wilma Probst emerged from the building, followed by Eisenfurst Trague & the enchanting Logan Seiger. The three of them stood on the steps of the building & waited for the parade to arrive.

The wait would not be long.

A strange commotion preceded the procession, and while no one near me understood what was going on, I had to struggle to hold in my laughter. Eventually, the soldiers approached, their red-faced General leading them, the sound & scent of flatulence. With each step, more gas was released- surrounding them & the area around them.

Some of the spectators broke into fits of laughter, while others simply looked disgusted & offended- some even left. I, myself, leaned into Serpente’s shoulder & laughed myself into tears.

The parade stopped at the foot of the Wachturm steps, but the noise from the soldiers continued as the General spoke- giving a long, melodramatic speech about his love for Freiburg & his respect for it’s ruler. He bowed low to Trague & as he did, a long blast of noise & wind escaped him. He stood again; face reddening even more than before- if that was possible. Finally, the time came to open the safe.  One of his soldiers approached the steps & proceeded to remove the padlock, which fell apart in his hand.

As the door to the chest opened, the General asked Eisenfurst Trague accept this donation & symbol of his affection for him & his fair city. I watched Trague’s face closely now as a cold confusion swept over him, but a sad exasperation soon followed. He whispered something to Seiger & they both turned, walking into the tower in silence.

Wilma Probst stood alone, looking very stern & quite upset. "General- is this some sort of a joke!?" She asked, accusingly, "Or is this truly what you think of our fair city & its leader?" And with that, she also turned back in to the Wachturm, closing the door behind her.

The General, who originally looked confused at Trague’s reaction, now walked around the safe & reached inside. He pulled out a handful of dirt & as it fell through his fingers, his face went pure white & he shook his head. He raised his arms in the air in utter disbelief.

Even as he stood there, the crowd started to dissipate. Those that remained stayed only to jeer, so the only sounds were that of passing gas & laughter. The once highly celebrated war-hero General’s reputation had been destroyed forever, but it was beautiful! He walked to the front of his men & they walked away, dejected & deflated- with absolutely no fanfare. 

I was still giggling when Serpente & I reached the City Hall, so my first order of business was fixing my makeup. Sure enough, tear lines streaked my cheeks from laughter. Once I was presentable, I met Dio & we entered the dining hall.

Wilma was the first to greet me, going on about how glad she was that I could make it & how she could never thank me enough for the grand donation I had given the city. She leaned in & whispered that she wished to have a moment in private, after dinner, to speak of the gift. I agreed. Then she informed us that dinner would be running a little late, but there were drinks & snacks for those wishing to mingle.

I looked for Logan Seiger, but he had not yet arrived, however, I recognized one man from the ball that I got along with famously- a retired pirate, now garishly dressed Eisen noble- Baron Lauterbach. I spent the entire time before dinner chatting away with him about Eisen, piracy & merchant ships.

Finally, Wilma apologized for the wait & announced that Eisenfurst Trague would not be joining us, as he had urgent "affairs of state" to attend to. The man I had been searching for arrived just as we were sitting for dinner. We shared smiles as he took his seat & would catch each other’s glances throughout the meal. It was quite difficult to concentrate on anything else…

Around the table were other notables- Wilma Probst at the head of the table, G. W. Richter- representative for Fauner Posen, Yosef Brown- from Heilgrund territory, Deitrich Proust- leader of the local Knights of the Rose & Cross, Dama Vogel- the famous matchmaker, the aforementioned Baron Lauterbach & finally, the General- who on occasion would stand to bark orders to his "men in the field".

I still could not take my eyes off of the beautiful scribe at the foot of the table. I hoped against hope that he would speak to me, and he did. He asked if I had had any troubles with my home since last we spoke & I informed him that everything was fine now- thanks to his help. He smiled, blushing ever so slightly.

Wilma joined in now, saying that after my most impressive donation, I have earned the protection & support of the city. She then proceeded to praise me to the rest of the guests & speak of how proud she was to count me a citizen of Freiburg.

"Lady Von Drachenheim," Richter chimed in, "I am curious, is your loyalty to Freiburg or to Eisen?"

I was taken aback a bit, not so much by his question, but more so that he had spoken to me at all. I told him that my loyalty was to both, and naturally so- as I am part Eisen, myself. He explained that he had asked because he wanted to know what sort of Imperator I thought should rule over a united Eisen, a warlord or a man who did not care about their authority as ruler.

It was quite obvious to me that he was speaking of Posen versus Trague, but I continued on, pretending not to catch the inference, replying "Whomever gives the people the most freedom, I suppose."

His voice raised slightly & he stated that he believed Eisen needed a strong ruler to lead the people into unity, surely losing some freedoms could not be a high price for security.

At this point, Yosef Brown entered into the conversation- speaking of how the freedom of the people was ultimately more important than unity, and if Eisen were to be united, it should be under a ruler who merely supervised, instead of ruling with an iron fist. Didn’t I agree, he asked- and I heartily did.

Herr Richter grew very angry at that point, slamming his fist to the table & spouting off how we would rather see the whole nation in a state of anarchy. I apologized for upsetting him & stated plainly that I never really did care for politics- which is why I was here, instead of Montaigne.

"And we are certainly glad that you are here." Wilma added, before adding that we were all Eisen, even if I had been adopted so, & we all had Her best interest at heart. Richter apologized to me now & I nodded in acceptance, but I knew now that he would be a man to watch out for.

After the main courses were served, we were dismissed for a small break before coffee & desert was served. I took this opportunity to go to the washroom & primp a bit. As I stepped out into the hall, I noticed the door across from me open slowly. A man’s voice asked that I enter.

I drew my dagger from my bodice & slowly stepped inside. A match was struck, and my next vision was that of Eisenfurst Trague lighting a lamp on a small table. I closed the door behind me & returned my dagger to its place, apologizing for having drawn it. Had I known it was him…

"Sit & drink with me." He said, motioning to a nearby chair & handing me his bottle. I sat & took a swig of his bitter wine. He wished to thank me, wholeheartedly, for my support & for my donation of the mine. I smiled & replied that it was the best thing I could have done with it. He was curious why I had made the choice I did. It surprised him that I would decide to give it to him instead of keeping it for myself & making a bid for Imperator, as I very well could have.

I asked him if he had another foxtail, which brought a heartfelt laugh. "I’m afraid I did not bring one with me." He said. I smiled & informed him that another drink of wine would suffice, to which he replied was a bargain.

After having another swig & returning his bottle, I went on about how much I appreciated Freiburg, considering it to be the perfect place in the world. I told him that I did not wish to see it lost & the donation of the mine would secure his rule more so than before- thereby securing the place I loved so dearly. Besides, if I were to have laid claim to it, I simply would have done the same thing he did with Freiburg- but it was already here.

He complimented me on my "very pragmatic thinking", to which I laughed, joking that it was probably the first time. I told him that, sure, I had thought of claiming it, but I also had no interest in ruling a nation. Besides, I felt that I had bigger & better things to accomplish; being a leader of a nation would severely hamper my plans.

He smiled warmly, and I truly got the impression that he enjoyed my company as I did his…

"Well, I don’t wish to keep you from dinner, and I do have ‘affairs of state’ to attend to." He said, raising his bottle. I nodded in understanding. "I want you to know, before you go, " He continued, "that the city & myself owes you a large debt of gratitude. If you ever need any assistance, please, see Wilma or myself & we will see to it that your needs are met."

I thanked him, sincerely, and stood, bowing slightly. "It honors me every time we meet." He finished, to which I replied, "Likewise, Sir."

When I returned to the table, dessert had already been served. After dinner, everyone walked about to mingle once more. I, myself, picked a small couch against a far wall & sat alone with my wine. I had hoped to speak privately with Seiger, yet I did not wish to seem too eager or desperate. Perhaps he would notice that I was alone & come visit. I also figured that if he came to me, it would also show some interest on his part & that would be a good sign.

Actually, my wait wasn’t long at all. I had been watching him & as soon as he noticed me, he smiled & began his way over. I invited him to sit beside me & he did. (I had chosen a small couch specifically for this eventuality.)

We spoke about the parade, my meeting with Trague & my donation to Freiburg, which had impressed him a great deal. We then discussed Fat Boy’s wedding tomorrow & our own personal feelings on the man. While he wouldn’t come right out & say it, Logan did allude to the fact that he didn’t quite care for him on a personal level- certainly laughing at every joke I made concerning him. He had to restrain his speech a bit, as Erhart was, after all, a great friend to the city- having donated a great deal of money.

I told him that I hoped that my donation did not change his view of me & that perhaps he would have also liked me had I not done it. He smiled shyly & went to speak, but Wilma approached. She apologized for the interruption, but wished to speak with me alone now. I didn’t want to leave him- I had so much more I wanted to say, I had just be struggling to say it…

I placed my hand on his & looked into his eyes, "Well, Herr Seiger, I sincerely look forward to seeing you at the wedding tomorrow." "Likewise, Lady Von Drachenheim." He replied. I gave his hand a gentle squeeze as I stood & to him I gave a smile before walking away.

Did I see Wilma smile? I wonder if she sees it too…

Anyway, she & I spoke for awhile in a quiet back office. Again, she went on about how generous my donation was & how grateful she & the Eisenfurst are to me for it. I would learn that Trague’s mine has been empty for awhile now, with the only remaining dracheneisen now hidden in a vault below the Wachturm, so…

I had solidified his claim more than I knew. That was especially important now, with the way Richter was talking. "Now you understand," She finished her story, "why we are eternally in your debt." She reminded me once more that if there is ever anything they can do for me, or if I ever had any problems in the future, I should take them up with her, personally.

I then made the same pledge- that if there were anything they required of me, my men, or my ship- to ask. "I’m good for more than attending dinners & balls, Ma’am." I smiled. She returned the smile, nodding in appreciation & acceptance.

On the way home, I shared the contents of my meetings with Serpente, as well as filling him in on the conversation at the dinner table. After all, he doesn’t speak enough Eisen to know what was said. I had determined to leave for Lord Valden’s (the unfortunate noble I was to frame) home later tonight- to drop off the evidence of his responsibility for the misadventure that was today’s parade, but I had determined to spend some time with Serpente, alone.

We sat in the back parlor with coffee & light cakes, discussing the day’s events. He told me that the evening before, he had been able to scope out the Heart of the Drachen Cathedral. High above where the bride & groom would be exchanging vows, there was a very large Prophet’s cross hung by thin ropes. He said that he thought he had found a priest who could be bribed into to cutting the ropes before the wedding tomorrow. If he only had some acid, they could almost time it perfectly, as it would eat through the ropes slowly.

I told him that I had some acid. He gave me a curious look, but it changed quickly into a mischievous smile. I took his hand & led him up to my room. He sat beside me on my bed, going on about how wonderful this prank was going to be. I couldn’t help but agree. We shared a good laugh as I pulled my bag up fumbled through the dress inside for the small vial.

The moment I handed it to him he went to leave for the Cathedral, wanting to make sure everything was ready. I’d wait around until after dark before digging up a small bag of dirt & donning my black clothes, cloak & mask for my trip to the noble’s humble 2 story manor. It didn’t take me long to find his bedroom once in the home.

Careful to be silent, I removed a shirt & pants from his closet- crumpling them up & throwing them on the floor haphazardly. I took a pair of his boots, covered the soles with dirt & left prints heading into the room from the glass doors. The remaining vials, I left thrown on his bedside table.

After I was far enough away from his estate, I approached a couple of patrolling guards. I kept my face & tattoos covered, but some breast showing- to avert the eye. I told them that I was afraid, so I didn’t wish to show my face, but that I had it in strict confidence that Lord Heinrich Valden was responsible for the missing tribute & unfortunate condition of the soldiers in the parade.

They thanked me & assured me that they would investigate immediately. I was actually home relatively early & got a long, restful "beauty sleep" in.

At breakfast Serpente assured me that the transaction had gone quite well & all we need do is sit & watch. My velvet & pearl wedding dress had just arrived that morning & by the time I finished dressing, it was time to go.

We found an uncomfortable pew where we sat together & Dio pointed out the cross- far above the platform where they would be standing. I joked that the way Fat Boy made the floor shake, it may fall prematurely.

Finally, the music began & Erhart waddled down the aisle, followed by… a beautiful Vodacce girl that looked exactly like the one who died in my arms just a few days ago! They had to be twins! I tugged on Serpente’s coat & pointed, saying that I needed to speak to her, but he told me to calm down- this was not the time. …And he was right. Since we have come up with an idea on how I could speak with her, but I will get to that. Anyway, we observed the ceremony- somewhere between boredom & amusement, until it became time for the vows…

Just as Erhart began to speak, the cross fell, breaking a statue of the 4^th Prophet & landing, upside down, between the bride & groom. The attendants let out an astonished gasp, and all fell into quiet whispers for a time. I would overhear a lot of people saying that it was some sort of sign, an omen. I certainly found it simultaneously fitting & entertaining. Eventually, though, the wedding would go on. When it was finished & Fat Boy walked, arm-in-arm with his very sad-looking bride, he smirked slyly at me. I took the opportunity to shoot him a look of victorious amusement.

I began to look, now, for Herr Seiger. Serpente was talking to me, but I was hardly paying attention & he noticed. Finally he tugged my coat. I turned. He went on about the girl & he had an idea of how I could speak to her. I asked him if we couldn’t perhaps talk about that when I meet him at home?

I realized that I had just dismissed him & quickly corrected myself, saying that he didn’t have to leave, but I had to go find somebody. It was too late. Looking rather dejected, he said that he would meet me at home & walked away. I was a bit upset by his reaction, but then I noticed my target in the row, heading for the door. I ran after him & tapped his shoulder. He turned, smiling & said he had hoped to see me, and didn’t I look lovely. We talked a bit about the wedding & how the cross incident seemed to be a metaphor for Erhart’s whole life.

It wasn’t long before he apologized, but he had to leave- he had been invited to the reception after the ceremony. I nodded sadly. He said that it seemed the groom had invited a lot of enemies just for the wedding, so they could see what a lovely bride he has & how happy he is. I replied that that was the reason I was there.

Seiger bowed slightly then & gave his farewell. I stood for a short while, biting my tongue, watching him walk away- but I couldn’t let him! I yelled for him to wait & I ran to meet him where he had stopped. "Yes?" He asked. Now, I had never been so skittish around a man. I am usually very forward & open, but now my heart pounded in my chest & I broke a light sweat. I forced myself to speak.

I told him that I only had about a week left in Freiburg & I have hoped to see more of him before I leave… perhaps… would he visit me for dinner sometime this week? He smiled very sincerely, saying that he would love to… but it would depend on Trague. One condition of his job as scribe is that he be there for the Eisenfurst whenever he wishes. A silent sadness consumed me (and it is still here as I write this).

I told him that his employer seemed to be interested in me on some level… perhaps he could say it is "research"? Logan laughed a bit, promising to word it that way when he asks- and he will ask, after the reception. I nodded & we exchanged brief smiles before he would leave me again. And I stood there, watching until he was out of sight & once he was, I took a pew- sitting there until the Cathedral was empty.

When I arrived home, I would find Serpente alone in the smoking room. We went over the events of the weekend, from the parade to the bride & how I should, at some point in the week, have Armin speak to her servant & try to arrange a private meeting with her. Unfortunately, I was only half-heartedly into the conversation- distracted, consumed even, by thoughts of Herr Seiger.

Finally, out of nowhere, my true thoughts surfaced:

"That’s what I get for taking your advice."

My companion looked quite confused & asked what I was talking about.

"You." I replied, "You told me to be less forward & not as easy- and just look what it gets me!"

He still did not understand. "It’s just… got me experiencing... feelings... for someone. I’m consumed with him- which complicates things… considerably." I sighed heavily, lifting my eyes to meet his.

And that’s when it began. A look of shocked dismay swept over my Dio’s beautiful face, slowly turning into one of thoughtful sorrow- perhaps even defeat. After a moment of silence, he shook his head slightly & stood, saying that he should leave the room before "complicating" my life further.

I stood as well. I told him that he need not leave- that I had important business to attend to & I had planned to leave soon, anyway. "I suppose I will see you in the morning then." He replied, blankly. "You’re assuming that I will be out all night & I may not be." I stated. "Ahhh, but you usually are- especially lately." He went on, "It’s alright. I won’t keep you… I may stay out all night myself." I watched him closely as he spoke & even though he spoke to me, it was almost as if he were speaking to himself. The tension in the room was nearly unbearable by now. "But what if I return?" I asked.

"Then… it will be all the better for me." He replied, finally looking directly into my eyes, "But if I do not see you…" He took my hand gently in his, "Goodnight, Zephyrne."

I almost cried- right then. My poor heart nearly broke as I gazed into his sorrowful, confused & reddening eyes. I squeezed his hand tightly & simply said, "Goodnight, Dio." And that was it- he turned & walked away.

Am I going crazy? Or did I just see what I think I saw? Is it possible that Dio… Loves me too? That would explain it, wouldn’t it? After all, if he were to ever confess to me that he was as taken with a lady, well- I would simply die! Oh, I shouldn’t have been so callous! Perhaps I should never have said anything! But… how was I to know?

Then again, maybe I’m just fooling myself- wishful thinking, perhaps? I guess I may find out though, as I had hoped to spend as much time with Logan as possible in my last few days in Freiburg- but how? He has already said that his time is dependent on Niclaus Trague’s wishes…

Trague’s wishes-

But… perhaps… well- at our last meeting this afternoon at the City Hall, he had said that he owes me a big debt of gratitude, for the mine. He did say that if there were anything he would help me with, just to ask. I really can think of nothing that I want more- and what harm to ask?

Oh, what am I saying!?

I’m thinking like a lovesick schoolgirl with a first crush… and rather feeling like one too! I do have to go order new additions to my ship… The shipwright is relatively near the Wachturm… I mean, I do need to stop at The Cup of St. Gregor, but… I could drop by on the way there & maybe just ask… If nothing else, perhaps I could send a letter?

Well, I will throw on my nice satin Captain’s outfit. That should work for the shipwright, the bar, and an audience with the Eisenfurst should I find I just can’t help myself…