Checking in

Health: pretty good. Swimming three or four times a week, my sleep is smoothing out due to better mental health. Tried a pilates class last night. I might rejoin that dance class next month.

Work: it's been very stressful, and I'm trying not to count chickens before they hatch, but I should get some good news tomorrow. My productivity has also been very high.

Writing: I really haven't been, except for dribs and drabs. Something to change in the new year. I'm going to have to get to know myself as a writer all over again. I have picked editing Colony X up again, which is good.

Friends/family: I could be staying more in touch, but I've been very inward-focused and I think it's beginning to pay dividends. Worth reconnecting in the new year.

Travel: I'm going to see if I can go visit dad in Florida for a while. And my brother in Beijing, in the spring. That'll fill up my travel schedule. NYC over New Years.

Morning freewriting

"He appointed who ambassador?"

"Lord Charles."

"He appointed Lord Charles ambassador."

"That's right."

"He has met Lord Charles?"

"I'm actually not entirely certain. It's possible he's just heard about Lord Charles."

Fitz considered this from a number of different angles.

"Heard... accurate things... about Lord Charles?"

"Well, you have to consider...."

"Yes?"

"If Lord Charles is ambassador, he's not here."

"But he has the power to materially effect our relationship with Tulura."

"He'll have advisors. Assistants."

"Babysitters."

"Funny you should mention that. He also has a four year old."

"You're telling me this, why?"

"Well, Fitz, you are a capable servant of the crown, and so it is my great honor to advise you that you are going to need to brush up on your Tuluran."

"..."

"Lord Charles, as it happens, does not speak Tuluran. You'll be keeping busy."

"I could have supported the usurper, you know. It would have been far more restful, and I probably would have gotten a lordship out of it."

"Your king thanks you for your service."

"Does he really?"

"No."

"As ever, a pleasure, Edwin. An absolute pleasure."