Today D and I spent the evening with Halbert Bienenstich, Teaa Demina, and (briefly) Nicolette Levenque. Mr Bienenstich and Miss Demina each own a TARDIS that they were kind enough to share with us for a few hours. There was a room with "bumper cars" which was a great deal of fun. There were flaming barrels of god-knows-what and much smashing into one another. D & I rarely spend much time in small groups, preferring in general to visit large gatherings or to be alone, but it was very entertaining. I very much appreciate their gracious hosting.

We spent yesterday evening in Mondserrat exploring. That Happicat puzzle eluded me even once I decoded the message (with D's help, of course), and I didn't find a single survivor seal, but I didn't die and I did see the whole of both sims. We made it all across both areas on foot. I was tempted to purchase an airship for use there as some had! It was too bad flying wasn't allowed, or D could have gone in dragon form and I could have ridden him. As it was, we wandered and fired off cannons and got into various mischief involving killer turkeys and falling from high places.

In Caledon of late there has been much discussion about decency. There has been much gnashing of teeth, rending of garments, and wearing of sackcloth over the death of politesse. I agree. I'd like to get that out of the way. My heart also aches over the lack of grace that is so constantly displayed in ISC and across the grid. It is my nature to be polite to a fault, to exercise true grace towards others, and to forebear until the point at which a gentleman must needs speak up or forfeit his right to be called a gentleman.

I submit to you, gentle reader, the following definition of grace:

1. Refined, effortless beauty of manner, form, and style: elegance, polish, urbanity.
2. A sense of propriety or rightness: conscience, decency.
3. Kindly, charitable interest in others: altruism, beneficence, benevolence, charity, goodwill, kindness, philanthropy.
4. Kind, forgiving, or compassionate treatment of or disposition toward others: charity, clemency, leniency, mercy.
5. A kindly act: favor, indulgence, service.
6. Temporary immunity from penalties: reprieve, respite.

It is these qualities that lay the foundation for polite society. Politeness is, at its heart, the language and expression of personal grace. In order to be truly polite, one must possess personal grace. This is not inherent to all persons. It is a product of maturity (not itself result of years lived but rather of self-awareness) and not easily come by. It does not happen by accident, though it comes more readily to some than others. One does not purchase graciousness with Caledonian land; it is not transferred with one's parcel. Peers, aristocrats, commoners, all are subject to the laws of reality, and thus all subject to the maxim that one does not achieve without effort. One cannot call oneself 'gentle' until one has come to terms with one's own imperfect nature and learned to make allowances for the nature of others.

With the advent of Oxbridge (a fact which has me very excited), we will have a greater than ever influx of new blood into our grand nation, and I can speak from personal experience in saying that relative newness to the lands does not necessarily imply less loyalty or nationalistic fervor. Though my husband and I already owned a homestead in its own isolated, private location on the grid, and though we had spent many hours terraforming and nesting there, when we had opportunity to move full-time into Caledon, we leapt at the chance. We packed up a sim's worth of furniture, buildings, trees, and grottoes to pay the same for less privacy, fewer prims to ourselves, and more responsibility to our neighbors. Why else would we do such a thing but that we believe in Caledon?

I plead with you, the Old Guard, do not be afraid of change. Without new citizens, a country stagnates and rots. Caledon cannot exist in a vacuum, no matter how dearly you love it just as it is. I know, I really do, that seeing one's home evolving into something one is uncertain one likes is heart-wrenching. It's horrible to love something so much and have invested oneself so completely and to have that be jeopardized by forces beyond one's control. It's is beyond tempting to attempt to exert control where one has no real ability to, and moreover, where one has no true right. Love and investment do not give one rights over any living thing; if it did, there would be no divorce, children would always obey their parents, and no one would ever die. Caledon is, though arguably inanimate, a living thing. Though I say we have no rights to control a living thing, we have a solemn obligation to maintain the standards of beautiful society.

We all of us were drawn to Caledon for varying reasons, but the unifying theme beyond all other considerations is that of a Better World than our own. In Caledon, one can exist apart from the ugliness and poor manners that plague us elsewhere, or so one hopes. It is our dream, my dream, that one might walk the streets without being assaulted by foul language, nudity, or beggars. I love to dress in my waistcoat, my tailcoat, my cravat; I love my cane and my lovely AO from the Posture Is Everything... As my darling Draco says, Theodore has no time for the present. I have little patience with contemporary life, preferring the pre-World War I eras and the post-apocalyptic. Caledon represents to me the hope of escape from the mundane and the opportunity to be part of a community of like-minded, grace-loving individuals.

How then do we maintain our beautiful society? How do we educate new citizens and recalcitrants about our ways, our values, and our habits? As has been said elsewhere, Caledon is too vast now to lead only by example. Individual public deterrence is often messy and both impolite and inefficient. Positive reinforcement takes too long to reward us with noticeable results. It is a dilemma, and it faces all of us, not only the Old Guard, though I acknowledge that it is you who are hit the hardest as it is you who have the most invested.

Our esteemed Guvnah, Mr Shang, has expressed his wishes that we do not moderate ISC chat. I agree with his wishes. I perhaps have a different understanding of his vision for Caledon than some. My experiences are limited, and I have not had as much occasion to speak with Mr Shang as many of you, gentle readers. However, I have read the Covenant and am careful to abide by it. As a Duke of Caledon, I take my responsibility to the nation seriously, and feel it is only seemly that I be conversant in the laws of the land. I welcome you all to hold me to that standard, and I swear on my honor as a gentleman that I will do my best to uphold it. This said, my reading of the Covenant reveals there is no requirement to roleplay, nor is there even a requirement for period attire. One's role-playing has no protected status, but free speech does have. Objectively, it seems that the law of the land rules in favor of being oneself over the perfect RP environment. This is not perhaps ideal, but it is a key to Caledon's exemplary successes. All are welcome in our fair land, and all are granted leeway to experience Caledon within the bounds of its reasonable guidelines.

Decency is important. I commend those of you whose mouths never run to idle talk or foul language. I exalt you who speak only truth, love only beauty, and live every moment with the good of others foremost in your mind. I myself am not so good. It is my nature to be, by most standards, a villain. I am not the shining knight, nor am I the beacon of rectitude that some seem to be. A loving son of Caledon, however recently arrived, I find that harmony is my highest goal: smooth operation of society and the flawless integration of newcomers and venerated elders.

Perhaps it is this that is the core problem. There is no standard of respect or code of conduct to ensure that those who have earned their voice be heard. Too many of those who have long served Caledon turn quietly away now in the interests of forbearance and the despair that they could change circumstances even if they tried. This breaks my heart. I cannot tell you how it distresses me to see that people who have given so much to this nation I have come to love go unrecognized by the masses, passed on the street without a tip of the hat or a moment's notice and spoken to in chat as though their opinions are meaningless. I ramble on, and I do apologize (my thanks if you are still with me, gentle reader), but I draw to a close and offer my point.

That which we cannot control must be accepted with grace. Those who are ignorant must be educated. Where no respect exists, it must be engendered. When all avenues seem exhausted, there must be fresh eyes to seek out a new path. Leading by example may not be enough, but it must be the beginning. Pointed silence towards negative behavior and positive reinforcement of worthy behavior must be consistent. Private words with those with whom we disagree must be the norm, the scalpel rather than the hatchet. The new must be welcomed by the old and embraced into their number with dignity and open hearts. It is the sense of community which makes Caledon a great nation, and it is that which must be preserved at all costs. It is more than role-playing and more than a blameless moral character, for in Victorian times there were libertines, bohemians, and strangers from foreign lands with strange customs. Caledon is about neither morality nor pretending to be someone one is not. Though I am new to your ranks, I lend my strength to the protection of that which Caledon is about: a Better World than our own.

As of Wednesday night, D & I are officially Dukes of Cafall. The name change is still in process (turning Caledon Murdann into Caledon Cafall), but we've taken possession of the property. I'm so thrilled I have no words. It's going to be a lot of work moving our entire (well-furnished) castle from Immortal Love to the new location, and there's a lot of terraforming to do first, but I hold out hopes that I might make good headway over the weekend. I'm delighted that we'll be in our new home for Christmas.

Also, D & I had a charming conversation with Miss Audrey Fotherington, our neighbor in SouthEnd. She's a delightful young woman, and I chatted away for quite some time before realizing how the time had gotten away from us. D was saucy and shocking as always, but -- good woman -- she seemed rather enchanted with him and paid him many compliments on his talents, so I find that she has earned a place in my esteem. For one as antisocial as myself, it is unusual in the extreme, but I suppose now that we're peers I shall have to make more of an effort.

It occurs to me that I ought to wear a goatee and pince-nez to alert the citizens to my villainous nature. I contemplated going the handlebar mustache route but I cannot imagine D would kiss me if I had bristles sprouting from my upper lip, so that's right out. This would be because my life revolves around kissing D, but I cannot bring myself to think that's at all a bad thing.

It starts in Penzance where the winds are born, and follows the track of this train. And just like this love coming back for you, it will come back for me again.

"What a beautiful town!" I shouted out. Oh, but what a terrifying view. You know I wrestled with my bruised hours, just to lie there next to you.

-- Penzance by Patrick Wolf

Two lots in Caledon Penzance went up for sale today, and before D could get home for us to see them together and (very possibly) buy one, they were gone. Snapped right up. I sighed a heavy sigh and now turn my gaze forward to such a day as when we will have our own parcel in Penzance. We've wanted one since we first visited there. I almost (almost) bought one of the offered parcels sight unseen, but much as I hate missing out on one, I know I'd have hated it more if I'd shelled out 12L per square meter for a lot that was less than ideal. It's not actually much money objectively speaking, but in this market...

To cheer ourselves, we spent the evening in our various shops. Haha we're an expansionist empire! I never realize how many places we maintain until I actually stop and think about it. NachtMusik will really take off someday, I think; as a team we manage very well. His industrious nature helps to offset how neurotic I am. He's really rather amazing. He makes lovely items, and he does it at record speed. It's a good feeling to be so impressed with one's husband. I'm really terribly proud of him.

Theodore ♥♥♥ Draco!

D & I have had recent word from Desmond that Caledon Cafall may be ready inside the week! I'm so very delighted. Then again, knowing SL, it may be another two weeks, but for now, I shall be optimistic. D & I are so delighted with the notion of being installed in our new home before the holiday. I had intended to write about this sooner, but I've been very ill. It seems I am on the mend, however slowly, and couldn't resist gushing about this as soon as ever I could.

D & I attended both sessions of the Peppermint Masque at the Bashful Peacock, which was entertaining and a bit surprising as I had not expected so much silliness. In retrospect, I think my own seriousness sets me up to be surprised by what is actually to be expected. I am, at times, a very grave young man, and it is in everyone's best interests that others balance that with their light-heartedness and mirth.

I could here be a sulky boy and ramble about how difficult I find it to laugh and make merry, but that's not strictly true. I'm always laughing and merry-making when it is only D & I around; he never fails to bring out the child in me. Around others, however, I am a stick in the proverbial mud. I had best work on that, yeah?

Also we attended Miss Eladrienne Laval's exhibit at the Whitehorn Memorial Library in Victoria City. Our dear long-time friend Siri Woodget is curating, and it was at her invitation we decided to attend. To make the world even smaller, I was informed that the same Rudolfo Woodget who runs the Bashful Peacock is her cousin. Also at the exhibit was Miss Colleen Lilliehook, another of our dear long-time friends. It was such a pleasure to see them both.

I find that the longer I stay in Caledon, the more Caledonian I become. This sounds simple and unsurprising, but I am a difficult man. I rarely change for anyone or anything (except for in the case of the other Mr Nacht, who has seen me change myself completely for the sake of being with him). Caledon seems to be working on me in a similar way to how D did: it shows me something I'd rather have than what I've had in the past, and it shows me what's expected from me in order to achieve it.

D & I went also to Winterfell Amaranth, I believe it's called? Amaranthine... At any road, it does not signify. We went there to a gardening center, and I spent an ungodly amount of Lindens buying up little two prim plants for my rooftop gardens. The winter heath is beautiful and I've edged the rooftop in SouthEnd with it, after laying down snow up there. And, joy of joys for a winter gardener, potted plants for the indoors!

I can hardly wait for the move to Cafall and the gardening to be done once the castle is in place on the cliff. I'm going to elevate the whole rocky little island to create a more defensible fortress. (The defensibility of any given structure or location is of paramount importance to me.) We found a lovely airship, the Le Reve, which I believe we shall buy and put at dock at the base of the island, at a pier I'm going to install there. I already own the lighthouse with which I shall replace the old Murdann lighthouse. It's very traditional, and I quite adore it. I can hardly wait to place it and furnish it (very sparsely) with appropriately lighthousely things.

Miss Lilliehook observed that my monocle was quite spiffing, so I have decided to share where one might find it for 35L.

And before I end this entry, I must point out that D is the best companion I can imagine, for any adventure, and I can't help but smile to myself knowing that he'll be with me for every one.

We are pleased to open the Holiday Season with the Peppermint Masquerade, a dance to be held at The Bashful Peacock on Saturday, December 6 from 11am to 1 pm and again from 7pm to 9pm (SLT.)

Don you again your gay apparel, in festive hues of brightest white and warmest red to celebrate, at this special time of year, the friends and family, neighbors and attractive strangers that make our community such a sweet treat.

Festive musicks appropriate to the occasion will be offered by Her Grace Gabrielle Riel, the Duchess of Carntaigh and His Grace Otenth Paderborn, the Duke of Murdan and Jarl of Orcadia, on behalf of Radio Riel.

Decorations by the Messrs. Miles-Despres.

Snow provided by the Guv'nah.

-Rudolfo Woodget

I'm very excited to attend and meet the other Caledonian confirmed bachelors. D & I have been feeling quite like fish out of water. It's difficult to find gentlemen of a certain persuasion who observe the niceties and respect the permanent relationships that can and do form between us. D & I are inseparable and would never consider allowing others the slightest foothold in our affections, and it seems that in most of the metaverse, gentlemen (I use the word as a courtesy and not as a description) are only interested in pursuing carnal passions regardless of the permanent nature of one's union. We reject the unsavory and seek out the genteel, but it has been a long time in the finding.

I have nothing to say yet, but it is worth noting that Draco Nacht is supremely sexy.