4th day of the Tenth Passange Hand in the Year 10,157 CA

It was like a dream come true, dear Journal. I had left Xan with so much reluctance that afternoon at The Belled Kajira, my heart wept with sadness. It was as if I was being rent in two, to stay and continue our chat, or to get back to Schendi and work in progress on my spice inventory. I had to leave her, but not without the promise of seeing her once again. We had settled on the Se'Var fair, but to my surprise, Xan inquired about a pass to Schendi, and the next I knew she had become a guest of my wonderful city. I was to become a host to a beautiful woman I had just met, but felt as though I had known for ages, in my beautiful home, Ananda Estates. She plans to travel with me to the fairs, along with the city of Schendi, where I am hoping to host the Ladies Dagger Toss event for my city. The first night she was in Schendi, we were celebrating the Harbor Siege Festival, and a fishing tournament which I took part in. Xan opted to sit and observe myself and my fellow Schendians fish, and make terrible jokes with each other, and Xan learned how bad Merrick and Marc could pun each other. I believe Xan had a really good opportunity to see how we are in action, and the fierce competitiveness of Schendi in either an event or in business dealings. I almost succeeded in winning the competition, but due to an extra round was knocked into fourth place. It was alright though, the prize was a ramship, and I have plenty of those to go around. Plus I had a chance to catch a young river shark, which I used Xan's high heeled slipper to beat to death! I had the feeling I upset Xan by being so forward, and actually breaking the heel off her slipper by accident in the process, but it was all in good fun. I think the others have sensed that I am fond of this woman, journal. That quite possibly, the iron shield I have covering my heart is slowly melting from the heat of love. I have the distinct feeling that Xan's feelings are reciprocal. She let go completely, to be herself around the others instead of being closed off due to her past. The one thing that I honestly hope for, is that the little ashiri is able to fly free in the jungles of my home, and the openness that I share with her, remains a reality for her and that she is comfortable in her own skin without returning to the hermit of her youth. I'd do anything to have her smile, and hear her warm peal of laughter. I'm glad she's come here, maybe she will decide to never leave? At least I pray so. So far the Priest Kings have shone on me, and blessed me with such a woman in my midst. Let us hope that the trend continues for the best for both of us.