orghanabolir

[orghanabolir]

𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚁𝙾𝙾𝙼 𝙾𝙽𝙻𝚈 @ 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘽𝙀𝙇 𝘾𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙊

We're all treats no tricks this month as we bring you another installment of Standing Room Only! Perfect for the start of your All Saintly Celebration pregame!

｢ WHEN ｣ — SUNDAY, OCT 22ND | doors open 8PM ET ｢ WHERE ｣ — BALMUNG, MIST W7—P15 ｢ MORE INFO ｣ — wine-xiv.crd.co/#events

@mooglemeet

[orghanabolir]

𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚁𝙾𝙾𝙼 𝙾𝙽𝙻𝚈 @ 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘽𝙀𝙇 𝘾𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙊

This month we thank you for the music and hope you are dancing keen; young and sweet and like the tam-bo-reen. Or...something like that. We invite you out to a very special evening indeed! And if you hadn't guessed it…I hope you like ABBA. Like, really like ABBA or perhaps could learn to as, for one night only, our wonderful talent from near and far have come together you to bring you the stylings in a way that you will not want to miss!

｢ WHEN ｣ — SUNDAY, SEPT 24TH | doors open 8PM ET ｢ WHERE ｣ — BALMUNG, MIST W7—P15 ｢ MORE INFO ｣ — wine-xiv.crd.co/#events

@mooglemeet

[orghanabolir]

In one week!

[orghanabolir]

Tonight!

[orghanabolir]

Menphina is angry--or is she MADDDD!?

Blitzball season is beginning. Last night, the opening ceremonies were held, and I joined with my brothers and sisters of cheer to chant loudly about the different teams, accompanied by dance and gymnastic feats. It was a festive occasion. I did my best, though I believe I missed a step or two. I fear I am out of practice, so I hope I did not disappoint the others.

There was a vast multitude in attendance. There were new teams this year, in some cases from very far away indeed. I do not know how the team from the moon is able to train for blitzball, as I am not aware of there being any oceans up there--not that I have ever been there! Perhaps soon there will be easier modes of transportation, and I will have the opportunity to visit. It must be a strange thing to look back and see our world from such a distance. I imagine it to be quiet and peaceful there, but empty. It might be too lonely to stay there for very long. It is easy enough to be lonely here, despite all the people!

The opening parade was one of the best I have ever witnessed, though perhaps I feel that way because it felt like we cheerleaders were more involved than we have been in the past. It was very noisy--so many fireworks! I envy those who have ears. They can easily wear earplugs to lessen the effect and avoid being startled, with none being the wiser. We Au Ra do not have such an easy way to diminish the sound.

As I said, I believe I made a couple mistakes, but hopefully I was able to hide them reasonably well. And with the ceremony's conclusion, the season shall begin! Even today, teams shall contest with one another to determine who shall be the champion. I do not partake that often in games of chance and such, so I do not know who the betting crowd thinks will win this year. I imagine the team from the moon faces an uphill battle, though, for is not gravity stronger here than there? I may be wrong about that. I will ask one of the science professors the next time I am at Silvergrace.

I need to wash my uniform. Cheering leads to perspiration.

[orghanabolir]

Venturing Out to Ameya

I went to the opening of the Ameya Dance and Entertainment Hall this past weekend. I have not been out in such a public way since I returned from the Steppes. I was pretty anxious that I might have some sort of breakdown while there, but I was able to keep my composure. There were many performers, and everyone did very well. I knew may of the performers already, such as Lovesick Girls, and Hauchi-Fe--and of course, who doesn't know Savo? But there were also some performers whose work was new to me.

I sat in one of the back rows, in case there might be some pyrotechnics that would make me jump should I sit closer. Also, I think I was afraid someone would see me and react to my appearance. I am not sure why I am worried. Other people change their appearance quite often, and no one comments at all. No one spoke to me, however, so if anyone noticed me, I heard nothing of it.

Menphina Madness begins soon, and thus cheer rehearsals are beginning. I shall need to keep my energy up. It will be hard to be cheerful for such an extended time, I fear. But I will show no weakness. I shall not fail my brothers and sisters of cheer.

I have begun to think of performing again. I am finding myself drawn to different music lately, though. I am not sure if people will accept me singing more serious songs. Though I suppose it is arrogant of me to assume people remember my past performances. I shall not dwell on it.

It has been quiet at the Lamb lately, and many of the Silvergrace students are away. I feel sort of . . . hollow on my own. I hope this ends soon.

[orghanabolir]

Returning

I suppose it was foolish of me to think I could hide from my family. My sisters are all skilled trackers as well, and one of them found me after two days. They were upset with me, which was to be expected, but what troubled me most was that she did not see any of the things that I was concerned about hiding in the first place. She could not see the blood. And when it became apparent that this was so, the blood . . . wavered in my own view. I cannot deny that something must be wrong with me.

As I no longer had any reason to secrete myself, I accompanied her back to face my parents and my other sisters. I apologized for concerning them, and submitted to their admonishments. Still, their concern for me outweighed all else, and I shed many tears for having worried them. I did not tell them of my possible hallucinations, however.

The Steppes were now largely cleared of abominations, so I had not caused significant difficulty with my actions. In fact, my family is sending me back to Eorzea to resume my work there, and my studies as well once Silvergrace classes begin again. I was enthusiastic about the idea. Of course I will miss my family, and I am concerned at how the other students will react to my changed appearance, I think perhaps some distance from my home might actually help me. I am sure there is work to do at the Bleating Lamb, and that will be a welcome distraction

It will be quiet there. That is a comfort.

[orghanabolir]

Red Stains

This post contains potential spoilers for the story of Endwalker.

I am writing this because I dare not say these things to anyone. My tribe would wonder what was wrong with me, and I would bring shame upon my family. I am Xaela, and Xaela must be strong.

We received word yesterday at the Bolir encampment that an abomination for which we have been searching was sighted near the Towering Still. My father split us up into several war bands, to spread out and approach the area from different directions, hoping to contain the beast should it try and escape.

I use the words abomination and beast, and I try to think of it as such . . . but it is difficult, for I know a thing that not all do. My father told me and my sisters, but he kept the knowledge from the rest of the tribe. As khan, it is his right to make such decisions, of course. He told us that he would reveal all to the tribe at a later time, but feared it would cause panic should the full truth be known now.

You see, this creature we sought was not always such a thing. Once, it was someone a knew well: the daughter of my mother's brother, my cousin. Something happened to her, and she changed into this rampaging monster. My father says it could happen to more people and that this is why he hid the whole truth, as the feelings of panic and hopelessness that might follow the revelation could trigger such changes. I bit my tongue and held back my own thoughts, but I believe the truth might help people to know what they face were it to be revealed to them carefully. But I am my father's daughter, and I obey.

In the end, it was I that spotted . . . her . . . and led my band to follow it. It entered a cave in the cliff wall, and we hesitated at the entrance. There was reluctance by many to enter the cave. Some counseled to wait for the other bands to arrive, others pointed out how cramped the cave was likely to be for a large number of warriors to enter. I decided to scout within and report back while the rest waited for the others.

The opening was narrow and wet with the blood left behind as she had forced her way through the opening. However, it opened up after a short distance, widening into a larger cave. There was little light, but I could hear breathing, and a reflected glint revealed eyes which had taken notice of me.

I will not write of what transpired next. I still live. What else need be said?

When I emerged and told my tale, there were cheers and congratulations, but I heard them as if they were far away, and set out for the camp, stopping only to bathe in the river and remove the stains of battle from my skin and clothing. The tribe celebrated a further cleansing of the Steppes that night and the scars I had earned in its service. I made a mask of my face and went through the motions.

I awoke in the middle of the night, thinking I had heard something. I left the yurt and went outside. I did not see anything, but when I looked down, the bloodstains on my arms had returned. My hands flew to my face . . . but then I could feel blood there as well, and dried blood in my hair.

I ran from camp and back to the river, and scrubbed myself clean. But when I got back to the yurt, it had come back again. I wrote a note, gathered a few things, and ran out into the night.

I found a spot for myself by the river, though Lambchop followed me, so I am not completely alone. I can't go back to my tribe and let them see me like this. The blood keeps coming back. Perhaps in time, it will stop. My hunting knife is very sharp, and I used it to cut off the bloody lengths of my hair, but when I look at my reflection, I still see it. There is a plant nearby which can dye things very dark. Perhaps it would make the blood hard to see.

Am I weak? Has the Dusk Mother turned her gaze from me? Can I still call myself Xaela?

I miss my cousin.

[orghanabolir]

Changes

Nothing seems right anymore. I pray to the Dusk Mother and ask her for the wisdom to understand what is happening, but no answer comes. Or perhaps the answer is in front of me and I am too blind to see it.

As chaos began to descend in so many places around the world, I was summoned home to my beloved Steppes. Isolated though it is in many ways, it still was not spared the effects of these troubling times. Things had become so concerning that my family and my tribe felt it imperative to bring me home to help cleanse the darkness that stalks the land. It felt strange to abandon my responsibilities in Eorzea so abruptly.

When I was 16, I endured Bardam's Mettle and subdued the yol. I have fought in the Naadam. But nothing prepared me for the things I have seen . . . the things I have done. The natural world I love so much has been twisted. People I knew--friends--have changed, changed into . . . I know not what to call it. Things that I accepted as immutable facts seem no longer to be so. Never did I think to see such fear in the eyes of Xaela.

When will this be over? Will anything ever make sense to me again? There are reports from outside the Steppes that the end of all things may no longer be a forgone conclusion, but we still have monsters here that have not faded away. I love my people, but it shames me to admit that I long for the time when my biggest concern was whether or not I would make a mistake in one of Miss Tyme's cheer routines.

I search the wind for the scent of the abomination I track, wondering if the sweet breezes of the past will ever caress my face again . . . and whether my face would recognize them if they did.

[orghanabolir]

Ghosts and Spirits and Pubs, Oh My!

I was invited to go and visit a haunted house. Miss Aria, Mr. Casper, and Miss Zahra instructed me to arrive at a house in the Mists. I did not know what to expect. I have had no experiences with those who have passed on. Some Xaela, like the Dotharl, believe that when we die, we are born again into a new body. I wonder if the Dothard do not believe in such spirits, then?

When we arrived at the house, a pumpkin man was outside, and said that there were circus spirits inside the house. This worried me, for circuses often have clowns in Eorzea. We do not have these clowns in the Steppes. These clowns are bizarre, otherworldly creatures hiding behind thick make-up--clearly an attempt to mask their true, horrifying visage that would otherwise reveal their nature as evil, soul-eating demons. I do not like clowns. A spirit clown would be even more terrifying. Thus forewarned, I struggled to keep my knees from shaking. But I was with comrades, so I continued onwards, determined to help to the best of my ability.

Mr. Casper apparently studies ghosts. I did not know such a thing could be studied. It seems a difficult career to make profitable, unless you could find a way to communicate with the spirits, perhaps. However, his expertise was put to use this night, for I discovered that ghosts can sense me quite easily, and I was knocked unconscious more than once, to my shame. Mr. Casper and Miss Aria both had to rouse me from my ghostly slumber on occasion.

We faced a number of challenges from the ghosts, which I will not detail here, lest I ruin the adventure for any others brave enough to journey there. But I will say, the lonely ghost girl affected me in a way I did not anticipate. In her case, my fear was overwhelmed by my feelings of sadness for her predicament. Perhaps Mr. Casper could find a way to release her. This would make me happy.

Miss Aria gave me a ghost costume, and I was able to slip by some ghosts by pretending to be one of them. I think my performance must have been believable, for I was successful in this. I really do love this acting. There are tribes who perform plays for religious festivals and the like, but I was born Bolir, and we have other roles to play in the life of the Steppes. Other than playing warriors as children, I have never had the chance to act until recently. Singing and dancing, yes, but not acting. It makes me feel funny inside, but in a way that is pleasant. I wonder if being able to trick a ghost means I have a talent in this area? Though, do I need another distraction from my duties to my tribe?

There was also a "pub crawl" last night, which we caught up with in mid-crawl . . . although no one was actually crawling. It simply involved walking from one pub to another, though in between there was also some strange experiences. I was infected with a pretend virus, and was supposed to spread it to others. I was surrounded by those already infected, however, so I had no chance to practice this skill.

There was a trick cupcake that tasted like dead fish. This was not appreciated, but I was given a free "Hot Buttered Rum" to wash away the nastiness. It was tasty, but much stronger than kumis. Miss Aria asked me about kumis and expressed interest in trying it. I would bring some to Silvergrace, but though it is very weak, it is considered a banned substance on campus. I do not like to break the rules . . . though sometimes the curfew is difficult to abide by, I must admit. Perhaps my parents are right when they say that in my early moons in Eorzea I lacked structure. Perhaps I need to embrace even this curfew. It can be tasking when there is singing I wish to hear. It is lucky that I am Xaela and thus as stealthy as a breeze across the Sea of Blades.

There is something called "Rush" approaching. I do not know what this entails, but it sounds like I must be very fast. I am training to run quickly in the mornings, following my morning prayers to the Dusk Mother of course. I shall win this "Rush" and bring honor to my tribe.

[orghanabolir]

Magical Performances!

This has been a busy week indeed. In addition to school, I had multiple performances to participate in. I had much anxiety that I had taken on more than I should have, but I seem to have emerged if not unscathed, at least only slightly scathed.

First, there was an event for the Rising. I was only around 13 summers when the last calamity happened, and my home was not truly affected by the devastation elsewhere. But I have some sympathy for the loss involved, if not on the same scale, for fighting is known to all tribes on the Steppes, even the Bolir. My songs seemed to be well-received, so I was pleased, even though I felt slightly out of step in places.

Last night, I had several performances as part of the Fantasia concert. I was part of an opening pre-show, and then of course as part of the song where I was the "Swooning Woman." No one in the audience called out "I do not believe that girl is actually swooning," so in this sense I believe my performance was a success.

I performed later in the evening, and Mr. Jolieto assisted me to portray a puppet that I was trying to bring to life.

In this song, I had magical fairy abilities that would allow me to do this thing.

I believe that the audience enjoyed my song, even though I made a mistake at the end: I had a special effect arranged where I would disappear at the end, much like I appeared at the beginning, but it did not go off! And so, I had to just walk off the stage, which was far less magical. But hopefully the audience did not realize that I made a mistake. I am finding out, as I do more of these "acting" types of performances, that if you pretend what you just did was intentional, the audience does not know any better! This is most illuminating.

(Video kindly recorded by "that weird Allagan and his node")

I think I like this acting. I think perhaps I will see if there are any other acting opportunities at Silvergrace. It is perhaps selfish of me to spend time on such things, knowing that I should be concentrating on things which will benefit my tribe, as my parents intended. I should be focused on learning marketing and business, and not on these frivolous things that bring happiness only to me. Perhaps . . . perhaps the Dusk Mother's will has gone awry in some way where I am concerned. Perhaps I should have been born to one of the more spiritual tribes, like the Gharl, where my skills might have been more useful. The longer I stay in Eorzea, the more conflicted I become, and no one seems to understand. Though to be fair, I have not had the opportunity to speak with many on the subject. There is always so much to do, and seemingly in so little time. So many more important matters are taking place, after all, so what do the misgivings of one small Xaela matter?

The other performers all excelled last night as well. I must allow that even that empty-headed ninny (Dusk Mother forgive me for my harsh thoughts) did well, once she got her costume on (how hard is it to operate a zipper? If she spent less time combing her hair, she would have learned this skill). I enjoyed all of the songs and dances! I felt humbled to be on the same stage as these others who have so much talent.

I gathered Lambchop from the yard and left the theater, and this morning I greeted the sun as it rose for a new day, though who knows what it holds in store?

[orghanabolir]

(This would be much like Orghana when she was small(er), but dressed in proper Bolir brown, of course!)

[orghanabolir]

Visit Teatime’s Shroudrose Teahouse & Tavern at Happy Hour for an evening of half-off drinks, good company, and live entertainment! Happy Hour is a monthly event regularly held on the last Thursday night of each month. Shroudrose Tavern seeks to provide a bar environment that is both casual and refined, where those from all walks of life may gather to enjoy one of our unique cocktails or a bite to eat, and a bit of conversation among friendly company.

Join us on Thursday, September 30th at 9:00 PM EDT at Lavender Beds, Ward 5, Plot 58 on the Balmung server in the tavern downstairs. Live DJ starting at 9:00 PM EDT! Performances begin at 10:00 PM EDT. We look forward to seeing you there! Honoring the Rising this month, featuring performances from… DJ Astromancy Orghana Bolir @orghanabolir​ The Rose Yul Taiyo Cadence Allerion with Nim A’ Mor Naomi Snowblossom Tetsuro Wulf @tetsuro-wulf Fehri Shoya Aji Yascaret

[orghanabolir]

Rehearsal Drama

There was a rehearsal for the play in which I am to be a "Swooning Woman." It was a strange experience. At the Palazzo, I have been involved in several productions, either as house crew, or in some smaller roles, so I am not completely unfamiliar with such things, though I am in no way an experienced actor. It is interesting, though, and dare I say . . . fun . . . to take on the persona of another.

Miss Yura is the other swooning woman, and she also felt at a loss in how to portray such a thing. She asked the director, and I lent my own voice to this request. The director asked us if we had ever been "head over heels" or some such thing. Apparently, the man in this play is meant to be such an amazing person that others all want him for themselves. Well . . . I have never felt such a thing, and I believe Miss Yura is in the same situation. This was vexing.

The director allowed the girl playing the main role to demonstrate swooning for us. It is most silly. I have never seen a Xaela do such a thing. Who would want someone who goes weak in the knees whenever they see you? It seems rather a sign of weakness to me, and this is not a thing we Xaela respect. We are a more direct people, in any case. Though I have never been pursued, nor ever felt the need to pursue another, I imagine it is a simple thing to simply walk up to someone and explain yourself. Yes? Though, when I think of my sisters . . . hmm . . . perhaps it is more complicated. Luckily I needn't worry much about these things. As they are all older than me, it is likely they shall pursue matches for all 5 of them before concerning themselves with me. And a match with the 6th daughter, even if it is of a khan, is not much of match to pursue. Is this not why I was so easily sent to Eorzea?

But I digress. I decided to simply copy the girl's demonstration, and advised Miss Yura to do the same. But at this point, I must admit to a secret shame.

It is my way to be tolerant of others, and perhaps even more so in Eorzea, for people often assume the worst of Xaela, and I feel I must show them that we are not all as bloodthirsty as they fear. But . . . at this rehearsal, I met someone for whom my tolerance was pushed to its limit. It is the very girl who demonstrated the swooning. Though it was most clear that the director favored this girl . . . she . . . she . . . infuriated me! She had very nice hair, as nice as Mr. Pierce's hair perhaps, but then she told us it was so nice because she combed it 300 TIMES each day. And, to make matters worse, she does not do the combing herself, she has two maids to do it for her! This is shameful, to be so lazy that one cannot maintain basic hygiene without assistance. After she said that, I noticed more and more little things that annoyed me, such as the way she tossed her head at one moment, and they way she seemed to feel above those around her. And the way she treated our khan, Miss Cassi, was so dismissive that I cannot believe she did not issue a challenge for it. I would have stood as her second in an instant. In fact, I left her a small token of my support outside her room, though I am not sure she ever received it as she has not responded. I should probably have delivered it in person, but I had to hurry back to the Lamb for something at the time.

You may be asking yourself as you read this, why would you feel shame for supporting your leader thus? It is this: I discovered that this empty-headed person is related to Miss Vivien. Miss Vivien is my sister of cheer, and I feel great guilt that I should this enmity for one of her blood. I do now know what to do with myself!

I feel I must get in touch with the earth, and center my spirit, as I often did back home. I shall greet the sunrise with song and dance, perhaps in the greenhouse so as not to disturb anyone at so early an hour. Dusk Mother willing, I can find a way to be strong for Miss Vivien and not punch Miss Priss-ila in the face. The show will be over in another week, after all

[orghanabolir]

And so it begins . . .

Aa! The desks at the Academy were not built with a small Xaela in mind. Oh, perhaps this is not the way to begin a journal. I would erase it, but the properties of ink prevent me from doing so. Let me begin again.

Classes have begun at the Silvergrace Academy. The day was a mass of confusing experiences. It is clear that the time that I spend there will be much different than what my life is like outside.

To begin with, the classes are different. We have desks. When the missionary taught us back in Reunion, we sat with our legs crossed upon the ground, much as we often do in our yurts. We shared small chalkboards with a neighbor, as the missionary did not have enough for each of us to have our own. Also, we had students of all ages in the same class, whereas at Silvergrace we are split up according to our progress. I do hope I am able to keep up with my peers, for I do not know if I have learned all of the things they have learned up until now.

We were asked to present project proposals, and this was a thing that I did not come prepared to do. Mr. Nivaar presented a proposal to help refugees from the current hostilities. This was a proposal that met with some opposition, but I myself think it a good thing to help those who have been displaced by a war they themselves did not seek out. There was another proposal to repair shrines and temples that had fallen into disrepair, and though I did not know this student as well, I sympathize with this goal as well. I was moved to present my concerns about what is happening in Thanalan, where the ceruleum mining is causing so much damage to the land. We Xaela are dependent on the land, the water, and the air to live, and we live in harmony with it, even if harmony between our tribes is often in short supply. I fear to see the spreading of such wanton destruction, and hope to find a way to convince these companies to adopt more thoughtful practices. It seemed that some thought my idea good, but others think me naive and feel that the Syndicate can never be convinced to change their ways. Perhaps I am, but I am the Dusk Mother's to command, and I will do my best to defend the world they have place us upon.

Lambchop is not happy with being penned during the day, I think. She is used to being able to roam freely. However, she does seem to get on well with the other animals. I am not sure if the agriculture teacher has ever had a sheep of her breed to care for in the past. I would offer my assistance, but I fear my input might be thought an insult, so I remain silent for the moment.

The other students are a motley mix. They are all very casual with one another, and with me. I am not offended by this, but it is an adjustment. At home, one does not use another's first name without invitation, and usually such an invitation is followed by the sharing of kumis. I cannot share kumis with these students, as I think we are not allowed to have alcohol on campus, and some of these students are too young to be allowed a cup in any case. Kumis has only a small amount, and you would have to drink a great deal of it indeed to feel any effects, but the law is the law. Also, Eorzean palates do not always appreciate kumis. What a Xaela views as a basic form of courtesy may be considered culinary crime in Eorzea.

I am very busy now running back and forth between the Academy and the Bleating Lamb, and also rehearsing my song for the upcoming concert. Oh, and I have been cast as a "Swooning Woman" in a play which I do not remember auditioning for. I do not know how to swoon. I must ask one of the other students to demonstrate it for me.

[orghanabolir]

So Many Places to Sleep!

Tomorrow is move-in day in the dorms at Silvergrace. I decided to accept a room assignment, though I already have more than one place to put my head down at night. It does seem as though there might be times when it would be better to stay there, as opposed to traveling back to the Goblet to sleep at the Bleating Lamb. While I do not fear to travel the roads (and woe to the Coeurlclaw that should think me an easy prey), it would clearly be prudent to avoid a journey should the hour be late.

I am not sure what it will be like to share a room with others, in particular others who are not related to me. Of course, on the Steppes, the family yurt was quite crowded, but I imagine what is acceptable among family members could be troublesome for those assigned to the same room with me. I shall need to discover what is and is not allowed.

It will be a period of adjustment, I think, although I am sure that I will still be sleeping at the Lamb often, and even on occasion staying in my yurt outside of Shirogane when I must travel there for business.

However, though I have a number of places in which to sleep, I am not likely to think of any of them as "home." When I think of home, it is still the Steppes that I see in my head. But I do wonder . . . if I were to visit my family there, would I feel the same? Or would the once-familiar grass of the Sea of Blades be as a stranger to me now?

[orghanabolir]

Care--eee-o-kee?

The school year approaches. I am Xaela, and therefore I fear little. This goes without saying. However, I cannot lie and say I am without concern about attending this school. As I wrote previously, I have been unsure about how I would be received there by the other students. I am concerned about how the teachers will receive me as well, but it is the students who concern me most. So, it was with no small amount of anxiety that I attended a music party in Shirogane at which students were to meet one another under less formal conditions than a classroom.

The term for this in Shirogane is something pronounced "care-eee-o-kee," which I have heard on occasion when passing through the city. I guess it means singing. At any rate, I decided on an Eorzean song I had heard and planned to sing it, rather than something from home, as I did not know how many students would appreciate that kind of music.

I was pleased to see some other students from the east besides me, though there were no other Xaela present. There was an Au Ra girl I sat near who I fear I may have offended, for I began to speak more as I started to relax, and I may have expressed an opinion of which she did not approve. I must be more careful to avoid alienating anyone. But some of the cheer folk were there as well, which was a blessing.

There were many names all at once, and this was difficult. Still, in conversation it seemed as though there might actually be students at Silvergrace who do not fear to wrestle a Xaela. This is good, for my skills have become stagnant, and if I return home for a visit, my sisters will surely pin me incessantly.

I believe my song was well-received, and I certainly enjoyed the many different songs I heard. Such a variety of music! The party reminded me of a place in Reunion where young Xaela will sometimes gather to share kumis and song, though the music was different.

They have many groups at Silvergrace, apparently, which are called clubs. As best I can tell, these are small tribes within the larger tribe of Silvergrace--much as the Bolir are a tribe of Xaela. I doubt these "clubs" contend with one another like Xaela, however, for that would seem at odds with the rules in the student handbook.

There was one shocking thing, however, for which I was unprepared. Mr. Pierce no longer has long flowing hair! I do not know what led to this decision, but I was caught quite off guard. Still, his hair was as shiny as ever, and he missed no opportunity to advertise his hair care products. I must respect his business acumen. If he learned these skills at Silvergrace, then perhaps I can as well, and thus fulfill the wishes of my family.