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This time of year with its warmer weather and the presence of miasmatic airs is one in which it is good to be observant about certain thingsThe following are notes I assembled regarding what has transpired today, August 1, 1784:

At present there is a Genoese merchantman in the harbor of Rocca Sorrentina, and she is flying the yellow and black flag indicating illness among its passengers or crew. She is called "La Sirena" -- I wonder if she recently sailed out of Sicilia, from whence we have had reports of fever spreading through some of the cities and towns.

The commandante of the Guardia has assigned men to make sure no one comes ashore without permission from this vessel -- tomorrow we shall have to investigate further.

Signor Gandt appeared at Dottore Greymoon's lecture today, carrying a woman who was very ill, seeking assistance for her.

Both Dr. Greymoon and Dr. Pancek being at the lecture, she was quickly examined and found to have a fever. She is a younger lady, who I believe to be recently arrived from Roma, and the matter is further complicated in that she is with child. No one seems to have come to the island with her. It is fortunate that Don Mercurio happened upon her and had the grace and presence of mind to bring her to a place where she could so readily obtain assistance.

Dr. Panacek and Dr. Greymoon determined to take her to isolation in the lazaretto which we have established in the old guard room of the Castello di San Pietro out in the harbor (partly in response to the reports we received from Sicilia). They borrowed my small sloop to carry her there, which Don Mercurio very kindly volunteered to pilot.

One of the King's Revenue Service ships, the brig "Allegra," was leaving this evening to return to its station in Castellammare di Stabia. I have asked the Capitano to request some nursing sisters from the mainland be sent.

I can think of nothing else to do at this moment, but I have many questions.

Having listened in on the conversation between that scoundrel Sior Gandt and the young woman recently arrived on the boat from Naples. Having watched the young woman hurry away towards the Piazza, Devi waited until Sior Gandt had gone into the Taverna, before she hurried after the young Woman.

She found her quickly enough sitting on the stone bench crying.

Signorina, can I speak to you?

Maria Cecilia tries to dry her eyes, looks up and nods a silent hello.

As you wish.

I could not help but overhear your conversation with Sior Gandt.

Oh splendid. someone else to mock me and my circumstances. Very well Signorina, mouth your pious platitudes and then be on your way.

Ohhh no Signorina, you misunderstand me. I want to help you.

I have had enough of people who want to help, grazie. Maria Cecilia replies bitterly. Help, no help it is all the same. Maria Cecilia begins to cough.

I know Sior Gandt as the scoundrel he is. You should not let him get away with this! Are you ill Signorina? Devi asks with concern.

If by ill, you mean with child and nearly ready to deliver, then yes I suppose I am unwell.

Unfortunatelly I cannot help you with that problem, you are too advanced. It is to late for a herbal remedy.

That is not a solution I would have wanted anyway. Maria Cecilia looks shocked. So how do you intend to help? Sell me to a Barbary flesh trader perhaps? Install me as yet another mistress of the Beggar King?

Don't be silly! But you could talk to some people who might force Sir Gandt to do right by you. My "Padrino" is the Conte of Foscari, and he may be able to help you, and he has some influence over Sior Gandt. You should talk to him.

Maria Cecilia remains silent, so Devi continues. But do you really want to marry Sior Gandt? after his treatment of you.

Maria Cecilia shakes her head sadly. Having seen more of what the man truly is...no!

he held more appeal when he was under the influence of the wine and drugs, or perhaps it was that I was under the influence as well and my perceptions were skewed.

He probably drugged you, in order to take advantage of you. He should be made to pay!

Maria Cecilia waves her hand. it was not like that. I am at fault as well.

Devi continues her tirade. So another solution must be found. what would you wish for if you had choices? Devi casually brushes a Mosquito from her hand.

What I would wish is to see this child taken care of in a proper family, not an orphanage as the nuns would have it done. Maria Cecilia answers sadly.

Given that he is not worthy of your hand, make him pay money. Let Sior Gandt be forced to pay for the upkeep of the child. It is always easier to find a good family for a child if there is good sponsorship. Devi continues.

What money? He can't afford a pot to piss in and probably has to do it in other people's flower pots.

That can't be entirely true. I know that he had his hands on a great deal of money when he went to Roma. Also he has rich relations in England.

So you would have me talk to this Conte of yours? Maria Cecilia looks up at Devi.

The Conte knows many people, and has alot of influence. you have nothing to lose in talking to the Conte. Men like Sior Gandt should not be allowed to get away with this sort of thing

Perhaps. Where can I find you?

I am easy to find. I am here on the island. The Conte has rooms in the big Villa on the hill.

Allright. I will talk to this Conte tomorrow. Tonight I am too tired to do anything more. I must return to my lodgings and rest.

You do look rather pale. Devi observes, scratching at her wrist. Well if I can do anything more to help you let me know.

What is your name?

I am called Devi.

I am Maria.

Having listened in on the conversation between that scoundrel Sior Gandt and the young woman recently arrived on the boat from Naples. Having watched the young woman hurry away towards the Piazza, Devi waited until Sior Gandt had gone into the Taverna, before she hurried after the young Woman.

She found her quickly enough sitting on the stone bench crying.

Signorina, can I speak to you?

Maria Cecilia tries to dry her eyes, looks up and nods a silent hello.

As you wish.

I could not help but overhear your conversation with Sior Gandt.

Oh splendid. someone else to mock me and my circumstances. Very well Signorina, mouth your pious platitudes and then be on your way.

Ohhh no Signorina, you misunderstand me. I want to help you.

I have had enough of people who want to help, grazie. Maria Cecilia replies bitterly. Help, no help it is all the same. Maria Cecilia begins to cough.

I know Sior Gandt as the scoundrel he is. You should not let him get away with this! Are you ill Signorina? Devi asks with concern.

If by ill, you mean with child and nearly ready to deliver, then yes I suppose I am unwell.

Unfortunatelly I cannot help you with that problem, you are too advanced. It is to late for a herbal remedy.

That is not a solution I would have wanted anyway. Maria Cecilia looks shocked. So how do you intend to help? Sell me to a Barbary flesh trader perhaps? Install me as yet another mistress of the Beggar King?

Don't be silly! But you could talk to some people who might force Sir Gandt to do right by you. My "Padrino" is the Conte of Foscari, and he may be able to help you, and he has some influence over Sior Gandt. You should talk to him.

Maria Cecilia remains silent, so Devi continues. But do you really want to marry Sior Gandt? after his treatment of you.

Maria Cecilia shakes her head sadly. Having seen more of what the man truly is...no!

he held more appeal when he was under the influence of the wine and drugs, or perhaps it was that I was under the influence as well and my perceptions were skewed.

He probably drugged you, in order to take advantage of you. He should be made to pay!

Maria Cecilia waves her hand. it was not like that. I am at fault as well.

Devi continues her tirade. So another solution must be found. what would you wish for if you had choices? Devi casually brushes a Mosquito from her hand.

What I would wish is to see this child taken care of in a proper family, not an orphanage as the nuns would have it done. Maria Cecilia answers sadly.

Given that he is not worthy of your hand, make him pay money. Let Sior Gandt be forced to pay for the upkeep of the child. It is always easier to find a good family for a child if there is good sponsorship. Devi continues.

What money? He can't afford a pot to piss in and probably has to do it in other people's flower pots.

That can't be entirely true. I know that he had his hands on a great deal of money when he went to Roma. Also he has rich relations in England.

So you would have me talk to this Conte of yours? Maria Cecilia looks up at Devi.

The Conte knows many people, and has alot of influence. you have nothing to lose in talking to the Conte. Men like Sior Gandt should not be allowed to get away with this sort of thing

Perhaps. Where can I find you?

I am easy to find. I am here on the island. The Conte has rooms in the big Villa on the hill.

Allright. I will talk to this Conte tomorrow. Tonight I am too tired to do anything more. I must return to my lodgings and rest.

You do look rather pale. Devi observes, scratching at her wrist. Well if I can do anything more to help you let me know.

What is your name?

I am called Devi.

I am Maria.

* * *

Berlin has been in unrest for the last week. Whispers were everywhere in Berlin and probably even beyond it. By now, rumours have probably spread all over Prussia including Potsdam and Sanssouci. These were no ordinary rumours, as they involved the Prussian King Frederick II. People are shaken by possible Austrian assassination plot on His Majesty King Frederick II. Rumours say that the Austrians in Berlin were heard to have shouted that the King will pay for stealing Silesia from their motherland. Of course such rumours would cause uproar, as they seemed to be the truth - Austria was not happy at all to have been deceived by Prussia losing the Seven Years War and the rich lands of Silesia in the process.

* * *

The first mention of the rumours in the royal court was made by a certain Baroness von Essen during one of the Queen's salons at her summer palace Schonhausen, Berlin. At that point, Sanssouci has already increased their guard to protect the King in case of assassination attempt. Upon the mention of the rumours, the Queen seemed completely shocked, as she wasn't informed by any member of the royal family even though she lived near Berlin. The whispering couriers at the gathering guessed that the King probably forgot again that he even had a wife to begin with. Some courtiers who have recently arrived from Potsdam assured the Queen that the guards were already very cautious of the situation monitoring the grounds and reporting anything suspicious. Even Princess Amalia, one of the few friends the Queen had in Prussia, was there in Sanssouci in case there was an conspiracy against the King.

It is still very unclear on the situation as no Austrian spies were yet caught. Prussia's neighbours such as Austria has not said anything at all on the matter preferring to stay silent to avoid any kind of misinterpretation and conflict. After all, Austria needed to restore itself after losing the war. Whatever may be behind these rumours, it certainly caused uproar around Prussia and ended the salon rather quickly as the Queen could no longer act as a proper host to the guests.

* * *

Berlin has been in unrest for the last week. Whispers were everywhere in Berlin and probably even beyond it. By now, rumours have probably spread all over Prussia including Potsdam and Sanssouci. These were no ordinary rumours, as they involved the Prussian King Frederick II. People are shaken by possible Austrian assassination plot on His Majesty King Frederick II. Rumours say that the Austrians in Berlin were heard to have shouted that the King will pay for stealing Silesia from their motherland. Of course such rumours would cause uproar, as they seemed to be the truth - Austria was not happy at all to have been deceived by Prussia losing the Seven Years War and the rich lands of Silesia in the process.

* * *

The first mention of the rumours in the royal court was made by a certain Baroness von Essen during one of the Queen's salons at her summer palace Schonhausen, Berlin. At that point, Sanssouci has already increased their guard to protect the King in case of assassination attempt. Upon the mention of the rumours, the Queen seemed completely shocked, as she wasn't informed by any member of the royal family even though she lived near Berlin. The whispering couriers at the gathering guessed that the King probably forgot again that he even had a wife to begin with. Some courtiers who have recently arrived from Potsdam assured the Queen that the guards were already very cautious of the situation monitoring the grounds and reporting anything suspicious. Even Princess Amalia, one of the few friends the Queen had in Prussia, was there in Sanssouci in case there was an conspiracy against the King.

It is still very unclear on the situation as no Austrian spies were yet caught. Prussia's neighbours such as Austria has not said anything at all on the matter preferring to stay silent to avoid any kind of misinterpretation and conflict. After all, Austria needed to restore itself after losing the war. Whatever may be behind these rumours, it certainly caused uproar around Prussia and ended the salon rather quickly as the Queen could no longer act as a proper host to the guests.

I needed you all who new him and loved him to know, it's with my deepest heart, I must tell you all we lost him real life. He passed away July 8that 12:24pm slt. He was suffering fromorgan failure... liver/kidneys and pneumonia. (This is not rp) We lost our dearest friend. He was an amazing guy with the biggest of biggest hearts.

In SL we meet and develop relationship that have true bonds behind them, It's very hard to loose someone you called a friend. He was from the UK. Although we can not be at his rl funeral. We will be remembering who is was in SL. There will be astate Funeral for HRM August King and Emperor which will be this Saturday July 12, 2014 at 09:00 -it's a memorial service, no casket.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Indigo%20Refuge/185/249/24

Lord High Chancellor Edward Prince Ballinger, will Officiate.

Lord High Chancellor Gorman Prince Indigo, will give the Eulogy.

As per our King's living requirements, Formal or Court dress will be required.

Please come and help us celebrate his slife.

Thank you.

I needed you all who new him and loved him to know, it's with my deepest heart, I must tell you all we lost him real life. He passed away July 8that 12:24pm slt. He was suffering fromorgan failure... liver/kidneys and pneumonia. (This is not rp) We lost our dearest friend. He was an amazing guy with the biggest of biggest hearts.

In SL we meet and develop relationship that have true bonds behind them, It's very hard to loose someone you called a friend. He was from the UK. Although we can not be at his rl funeral. We will be remembering who is was in SL. There will be astate Funeral for HRM August King and Emperor which will be this Saturday July 12, 2014 at 09:00 -it's a memorial service, no casket.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Indigo%20Refuge/185/249/24

Lord High Chancellor Edward Prince Ballinger, will Officiate.

Lord High Chancellor Gorman Prince Indigo, will give the Eulogy.

As per our King's living requirements, Formal or Court dress will be required.

Please come and help us celebrate his slife.

Thank you.

I had slept for what felt like days. My lids were heavy from too long a slumber, and when my maid, Emma, pulled back the sashes, letting in the glare of light, I raised my hands to shield them. "What time is it?" I queried, even then, too lazy to move but for sliding deeper into the soft mountain of blankets and pillows upon my bed. "Nearly ten o'clock, milady" she replied, bustling about gathering old clothes and seeing that creases didn't form in the gown she had just pressed. "Would you like breakfast in bed again, milady?"

The winter had been so long, and although tempting, I had scarcely answered spring's verdant beckoning, preferring instead to keep to my quarters, with an occasional trip to the salon to visit with my parents, when they weren't busy with affairs of their own. Mama insisted that I must travel with her to Paris for some of the new fashions, while Papa tried to be nonchalant in asking about suitors. The unspoken issue, was that if I were not married, the estates could not properly be managed, and eventually, the income that I might inherit would dwindle away, whilst I did the same, as a spinster and social outcast. I did my best to remain patient with them both. Truth be told I simply wanted to be left alone. That was not to be the case.

One afternoon in April's misty rains, a coach arrived with a gentleman who dropped off a gift to me from Papa. A sweet ivory-coated dog, with a note attached to her collar "Her name is Athena, and she is under strict orders to keep you company, my sweet dear girl." At first, I admit to being wary of the gift; Papa was many things, but he was not often so sentimental. I thought perhaps he might have an ulterior motive in mind. The Baron may be gone some time now, but I still live in anxious apprehension of another match being made without my knowledge, and a dog - while a lovely companion - might have been some excuse for me to attend a grouse hunt and suddenly "oh, dear, Sir Whoever You Are, how unexpected that you joined us, do you know our daughter, Olivia?" Thankfully no mention of a shoot, or any other such social engagement was mentioned and after two month's time, I found myself calling for Athena to join me in my walks through the park, or to join me in my travels.

Two white paws appeared on my bedside, followed by the sound of familiar panting, accompanied by her perpetual smile. Emma hustled over, but I waved her away, stroking Athena's fur and with one final stretch, acquiesced to the canine's wishes that I should stop being so lazy, and take her for a walk.

We had traveled by ship to La Rocca two days prior and were met with the penetrating warmth that never quite seems to get as far as England. I had cloistered myself for too long; the social season was nearly upon us, and I had to reacquaint myself with its trappings. I washed and had a light breakfast. Emma managed to outfit me and style my hair without tripping over Athena. I leaned toward the mirror, looking intently for any signs of my advancing age of twenty-four, and tamed some unruly tendrils of hair before turning to Athena, dancing around in joy at the prospect of a long stroll.

I opened the door and immediately,the summer air enveloped me in its warm embrace. Athena trotted down the path of our rented villa and paused, turning to be sure I hadn't decided to abandon her before galloping over to a group of leaves that were swirling in the breeze. She inspected every inch of ground, no doubt learning the comings and goings of everyone who had passed there recently. A smile crept across my face. and as I watched her, the shadows began to reach for the sea.

We must have covered all of the island by the time we reached the amphitheater. The church bell rang out, calling the faithful to evening mass and I gazed out at the great immensity of the sea, feeling rather small and insignificant beside it. The soft wind caressed my face and Athena sidled up to me looking weary and loving. In that moment nothing mattered but that moment. No pressures of a stable future or an advantageous marriage, no worries as to how I would save the family's estates, or manage to survive without a husband's supervision or income.

In that moment, I was safe and warm, loved and cherished, and happy in summer's warm embrace.

It was the evening of San Giovanni di Batista, and everyone was gathered on the great lawn to celebrate with dancing, food and fireworks. There had been a party atmosphere for two days now, and this was a perfect opportunity to carry out the first part of his mission. For Cesare had a mission. He was not here in Sorrentina by chance, and he intended to carry it out perfectly and to the letter.

Taking one last look to make sure that everyone was at the festivities, and that no one was paying attention to him, he slowly walked away from the lawn, and made his way through the vines, towards the silent houses, standing empty, their occupants busy enjoying the evening.

Breaking in was nearly too easy. These people all left their windows open during these hot summer nights, and Cesare was very good at climbing over roof tops. He had had enough practice back home as a boy. Breaking and entering was a skill he had learnt early, and it still served him well when Cristofoli sent him on special missions. This was not the first time Cesare had worked for Cristofoli, and although Cristofoli was a hard task master, he also paid extremely well, and was a very good person for an ambitious young man from Mestre to know.

Cesare was very ambitious. He might be the son of a poor Fisherman, but he would not stay poor, nor would he remain on the mainland, nor would he ever be a Fisherman. No! He and his descendents would one day live in the heart of the city of Venice, and move in the best circles. They would dine with the best families. They would not be mere Fishermen, but Admirals in the Arsenale. He, Cesare Bertolini, would make it so no matter what it took, no matter what he had to do.

Cesare was very ambitious.

The first part of his mission was to locate some incriminating letters. Cesare began to search the writing bureau in one of the rooms, and soon found the documents he was looking for. Having checked that he had everything, Cesare gently closed the drawers of the bureau, and tucked the letters safely into the inside pocket of his jacket. Making sure that nothing was out of place he began making his way back out of the apartment. With some luck the occupant wouldn't notice the letters were missing for a while, and even if he did, what could he possibly do, without incriminating himself.

He stopped and opened a fine wooden box, containing a very fine set of Guns. Admiring them, Cesare promised himself that he too would possess such fine weapons one day, very soon. As he climbed back out of the apartment, nimble as a monkey, onto the roof tops, he took one last look around the finely furnished apartment. Sior Gandt was certainly living in fine style on Sbirri money!

It was the evening of San Giovanni di Batista, and everyone was gathered on the great lawn to celebrate with dancing, food and fireworks. There had been a party atmosphere for two days now, and this was a perfect opportunity to carry out the first part of his mission. For Cesare had a mission. He was not here in Sorrentina by chance, and he intended to carry it out perfectly and to the letter.

Taking one last look to make sure that everyone was at the festivities, and that no one was paying attention to him, he slowly walked away from the lawn, and made his way through the vines, towards the silent houses, standing empty, their occupants busy enjoying the evening.

Breaking in was nearly too easy. These people all left their windows open during these hot summer nights, and Cesare was very good at climbing over roof tops. He had had enough practice back home as a boy. Breaking and entering was a skill he had learnt early, and it still served him well when Cristofoli sent him on special missions. This was not the first time Cesare had worked for Cristofoli, and although Cristofoli was a hard task master, he also paid extremely well, and was a very good person for an ambitious young man from Mestre to know.

Cesare was very ambitious. He might be the son of a poor Fisherman, but he would not stay poor, nor would he remain on the mainland, nor would he ever be a Fisherman. No! He and his descendents would one day live in the heart of the city of Venice, and move in the best circles. They would dine with the best families. They would not be mere Fishermen, but Admirals in the Arsenale. He, Cesare Bertolini, would make it so no matter what it took, no matter what he had to do.

Cesare was very ambitious.

The first part of his mission was to locate some incriminating letters. Cesare began to search the writing bureau in one of the rooms, and soon found the documents he was looking for. Having checked that he had everything, Cesare gently closed the drawers of the bureau, and tucked the letters safely into the inside pocket of his jacket. Making sure that nothing was out of place he began making his way back out of the apartment. With some luck the occupant wouldn't notice the letters were missing for a while, and even if he did, what could he possibly do, without incriminating himself.

He stopped and opened a fine wooden box, containing a very fine set of Guns. Admiring them, Cesare promised himself that he too would possess such fine weapons one day, very soon. As he climbed back out of the apartment, nimble as a monkey, onto the roof tops, he took one last look around the finely furnished apartment. Sior Gandt was certainly living in fine style on Sbirri money!