[coronatiger]

Thoughts on February 12th

Today was the first performance on the big stage. It went reasonably well. Ilzo didn’t make a fool of himself, not that I would have let him near the stage if I thought there was the slightest chance of him messing up completely. I had to tell him how to lift and throw me a few times, but I don’t think the audience noticed.

I was a little tired when I returned from the show, but I did my duty in the common room after sitting down for a chat with Lady Karita. She had taken the day off to enjoy city life. Still undercover, she didn’t go to the nobles’ district, but she learned a few tidbits anyway. Most importantly, an army is on its way north towards Surd, allied reinforcements for the war against Tamburin. I hope the soldiers move on quickly. If they stay, Vice-Captain Vidkun might bring a larger escort into our little ambush.


Thoughts on February 13th

I went to the merchants’ guild this morning, asking about Varek Mountlake. I flirted outrageously, but could report to Olivia afterwards that I hadn’t had to go beyond vague promises to obtain the information I wanted. It turned out Varek has settled in Kardia, the neighboring colony to the south. It’s no more than a city state, really, even in the old world. It shouldn’t take more than three or four days to get there. I look forward to finally tracking down my old director. They didn’t specify where in Kardia he was located, so I assumed he would be in Valaria, the only real city.

I talked to Lady Karita about going south after the run of shows. I argued that it would be good to put some distance between ourselves and Surd, at least in people’s minds, before springing the ambush. She agreed that was a good idea, or at least didn’t want to risk me going off on my own.

I had my two shows in the afternoon and evening, and was glad to jump into bed with Olivia afterwards.


Thoughts on February 14th

I was preoccupied with my performances, and took no notice of whether Lady Karita and Va’lyndra resumed their investigations.


Thoughts on February 15th

I rehearsed with Ilzo in the morning and spent the rest of the time before the shows with Olivia. I love her so much! She is so supportive of my activities as an acrobat. And as an adventurer, come to think of it. Dangerous business, that. It scares her, sometimes, but that makes me feel even braver.

I aced today’s performances. Ilzo didn’t do too bad either.


Thoughts on February 16th

There were two more performances today. I simply love performing. Why can’t I do this all the time? Oh, that’s right. I’m chosen to save the world.


Thoughts on February 17th

I’m having the time of my life. I do two shows per day and get to spend the rest of my time with Olivia. And Ilzo, I guess, at least during morning practice.


Thoughts on February 18th

Today’s shows were the last, and I carried with me a sad feeling all day. Olivia temporarily relieved the sadness, but it came back as soon as I started thinking about the shows, and I had to focus on them. The last performance is in a way the most important one. After the big show on the outdoor stage, I announced that I would do one more show, at the Seagull and Goose in the evening. As if the common room wouldn’t be packed enough.


Thoughts on February 19th

I exchanged goodbyes with the staff at the Seagull and Goose and did a small contortion act in the saddle as we rode off. We headed south towards Kardia. I think Ilzo had a dream last night. He spoke about the importance of the length of the grass when we were going to do the ambush. Not much snow has fallen, so the brown-yellow grass was still visible all over.


Thoughts on February 20th

We continued our southward journey on roads devoid of snow. Is this winter milder than earlier winters, or are my memories wrong? The main road between Surd and Valaria is heavily traveled, but Lady Karita assured me that they had found a more desolate place for the ambush.

Kardian border guards halted our progress for a moment, but Lady Karita claimed we had nothing to declare, and they let us pass.


Thoughts on February 21st

Coming north was a troop of thirty heavily armed riders, and Ilzo’s curiosity flared up. Lady Karita prevented him from challenging them to any kind of foolishness, and explained that they were knights from the Holy Alliance, a vanguard of the reinforcements from Virendia’s allies. “They are our friends,” she told Ilzo. “We’re not going to fight them.”

We had Valaria in sight when the sun approached the horizon, so we decided to press on, rather than go look for an inn outside the city. The townsfolk recognized me as soon as Lightfoot’s hooves rang on the cobblestones. Standing on the saddle, I was drawing their eyes before they could see my face. My fans asked if I was going to put on a show for them, and I replied that of course I would. A glare from Lady Karita made me think I’d better just stick with performing at the inn.

Speaking of inns, the first one we found looked decent enough, but not quite up to the same standard as the Seagull and Goose or the Red Mansion. I proposed we look for somewhere better. Asking around, we were guided to a district with houses for hire, with servants and everything a girl can ask for. Except for a common room in which to perform. “Out of the question,” I declared, and the search went on. Eventually, we found a place that suited my demands.

It was getting late, so after a quick word with the innkeeper, I left the unpacking to Olivia and began performing. After the show, I told the patrons that I would be performing here just once more, tomorrow night, before moving on, so they should spread the word. I hope it spreads to those people we met on the streets.