So much for doing updates over the weekend. Either I have a quiet weekend, where there's just not that much to say, or I have jam-packed weekend, where I have too much to say and not enough time to say it. Now, I've got such a backlog to address... Where to begin? Let's start with Friday night.

Dinner with Donna and Alexis to show them the apartment, version 1.1. I had redecorated since their last visit, and the place had been dramatically decluttered and de-geekified. In other words, any computers or technology were discreetly stowed, and not center stage. And, in doing so, I reclaimed a dining table, as well as the cutaway counter to the kitchen. The two of them seemed to approve of the new "clean lines" look. They both seemed grateful to have a night out and a break from the kids, and Donna had even dressed for the occasion, which was quite flattering. Though really, I know she's doing it strictly for herself, since her opportunities to dress up aren't as frequent as she'd like.

The two of them were kind enough and good humored enough to help me with a current avocation of mine: shibari, or japanese rope bondage. I have been studying this for some time and have attended some classes, but really, it is best learned by doing. And, it is much easier to learn in the context of practice, rather than when you actually want to do it with a partner you are trying to impress. So, while we sipped wine and gossiped about Clan Lord, the two took turns and allowed me to try my hand, and I learned quite a bit. I learned that is impossible to get Alexis to stand still. Next time, he's getting a hog tie. It was actually a great bit of fun, and quite worthwhile for me. I actually think they might let me do it again.

Saturday, after recovering from the wine of the night before, I slipped into Alchera. The wily GMs there were waiting for me, and my cover was quickly blown. This was a good thing, though, because I was treated to a wonderful backstage tour of their work. Takara, Ziyal and Gyges not only led me around behind the scenes quite indulgently, they also were great company and an awful lot of fun. I had to cut the tour short, though, when plans with my ex-wife changed. We decided to get together that evening for dinner, and, perhaps, if time and mood allowed, even more shibari practice. This should give you a good sense of how good my relationship is with my ex-wife...

We met for sushi. We've both been quite busy over the past week and it felt like it had been ages since we had talked. She confessed that she had been making an effort to get some distance between us, to ease some of the pain and help the transition. I understand, entirely, of course. We both agreed that this holiday season we should best make our own individual ways, as hard as it may be. It was an evening that reminded me of all the reasons why I married her in the first place: her charm, her strength, her warmth. We went and scouted some night spots afterwards on the upper west side, having a quick drink in a couple of places, and I escorted her home. She was kind enough to allow me to do a quick shibari torso harness on her before the alcohol and the late hour called her to her bed. She complimented me on my much improved technique, and that meant a lot. It was hard to leave, but we both knew in our hearts it would be a greater pain if I stayed, so somewhat reluctantly, I found my way home.

I had committed to joining my friends in Alchera to observe "Fight Night" as a junior GM. (I think I am violating rule 1 of Fight Night by talking about it.) Unfortunately, Fight Night in Germany is about noon here, so I actually had to make sure I got my ass out of bed on time. This is was not easy, since I didn't turn my light out until about 4AM, but somehow I managed. I was glad I did. I got a real taste of a day in the life as a GM. Prior to Fight Night, one of the GMs was doing some testing of some new critter scripts, and it was fun to watch the players respond to it. A bit like being Alice and stepping through to the other side of the looking glass, really. It was great opportunity to talk to them, and I got a very strong sense of how close their GM team is. It was nice to see, and it bodes well for their future. Fight Night, for you non-Alchera folks, is basically a content held in their arena, where various bouts are held, and prizes are given out. It is entirely exile run, much like Dun'ilsar.

To top the weekend off, Nori returned from her trip. I thought she was returning on Sunday, and this was confirmed when the phone rang.

"Can you Clan right now?" she says. No "hello," no "how are you."
"Yes, I can be on in a minute."
Silence. Her voice echos through my mind, and brings me back to the last time we were together. I swallow.
"Yes, I can be on in a minute, ma'am." I correct myself.
She laughs that wicked, gentle laugh of hers. "Good," she says, and I can picture her smile in my mind. A few more instructions, and I am off to my machine, with just a hint of goosebumps.

What have I gotten myself into, I think. But, I cannot wipe the smile off my face.

After my assistance, which pleased her greatly, we catch up, on both Clan Lord and other things. I am glad to say her time away from Clan Lord must have been just what the doctor ordered, as her enthusiam has returned, and she had a wealth of new ideas to develop. I haven't seen her like this in a while, and part of me hopes I have something to do with it. The bad news is, I am going to have to bust my ass to finish up some of the projects I've started for her. Considering the recent change in our relationship, I have a feeling finding motivation won't be an issue. It's going to be a very, very busy week.

(This post delayed and delayed and delayed by the seriously overloaded Blogger. My apolgies.)

posted 11:03 AM | link |