Ana walks down the waterline in search of some privacy and finally finds it agaisnt a rock jutting out of the ground in a semi-wooded area. Taking out a small notebook and quill, she begins to jot down some of her thoughts.

I knew i shouldnt have returned here. They are everywhere. I feel it.

But what choice did i have. What choice do I have. I never asked in be put in this situation. Blasted responsibility. Damn honor.

The fool will end up dead. No idea what awaits in these shadows. Happy go lucky in a life that is a fantasy. Never had to experience things from my perspective. Never had to see or experience the harshness life offers.

Damn fool.

To many men about this Isle, I'm sure all after their own agenda.

Yet to come across the main reason for my return. Havent seen him about.

But there are others.
One is an associate
Not as stupid as most of his breed.
Careful what i say to him.
Tested his reflexes, he didnt flinch.
Might be useful.

Another is a bit strange
Mentioned relation.
I ignored him.
Continues to greet me formally
Maybe from court
That in itself is reason to be leary.

Another asked to fight with me.
Ignored him as well.
Damn fool man

-Journal Entry 16 April, Anastasia Clemont

**Kuno is home for the moment, at his home that he shares with Cipriana. He stayed up all night with Vixen while she was ill, despite being tired from the events of the day. The Healer he called for had looked after her, as he held her hand, not really having much else he could do. As morning came and she was resting under the healer's care, Kuno was told to go home and get some sleep, not to stay here, in case what ever ailed Vixen was contagious.

He staggered home exhausted and after a brief, unrecalled conversation with his slave, fell into bed still fully dressed, and was out before his head hit the pillow.

He awoke many hours later with his boots off, and a cool damp cloth over his eyes. He removed it and looked around, seeing sunlight streaming in through spaces between the boards over the broken winow.

He pulled himself to his feet and went to his desk, opening a drawer to get his quill pen, the one that Cipriana gave to him.

Reaching inside he sees a handful of small, black objects rolling around. They look like... teeth? Shaking his head he retrieves his quill and pens a new entry in his journal.**

Well, Hell...

I came close to losing them both last yesterday. Actually I did lose them both yesterday. The dream I had was prophetic, it seems, but I made it through. And they are still with me and we are all happy, I think. Is that enough? Now I have other things to think on. More business ideas from my wonderful slave. I had her collar made for her finally, to show her she'll never be less in my eyes. Is that enough?

Vixen and I talked, and worked things out after some arguing, as usual. Still together, and still heading toward the future. Is that enough?

Jane says she'll talk to Paul, and see if he objects to her becoming a part of my family. If he doesn't mind, she'll be my new Little Sister. She'll be a fine addition to the family. Is that enough?

I saw that sister of Charquin's again last night as well. She does try to be fearsome, but I can't help feeling a sort of amusement when I see her. She doesn't trust men, believing them to be fools, and I quite agree. I can work with her, I think. Is that enough?

My businesses are pulling in money hand over fist as they should, and my other projects are proceeding nicely. Is that enough?

Of course not.

BK
-Journal Entry 17 April, Boss Kuno

*Ana mutters to herself after she heads back to what has become her "private" spot. The rock jutting out from the earth in the wooded area offering her the rare gift of some relaxation.* She has begun to feel safer here. Not completely safe mind you, but this is the only place she can let her guard down, even slightly. Pulling out her small book, she leans up against the tall rock, and begins to write*

Bastards.

They are here. I know they are. But the question is who? And how many? Followed me. Has to be the only explination. They wont stop till they accomplished their goal. My time is precarious.

The touched one is growing stronger i hear.
Nursed to health by the lady.
Constantly watched over by that man.
Have to show her the error of her ways.
Before she ends up dead.

The mouth confronted me.
Long battle.
Stong grip on that one.
Stole my dagger.
Struck me twice.
I confiscated his sword.
Smashed his phallus.
Broke his nose.
Might be one.

The Rouge was amused.
Approved of my methods.
As if that was needed.
Read something about this one.
Dedicated charity man.
Assists women and children.
Whats in it for him.
Possible smoke screen.
Might be another.
Worth further pursuit.

The professor was there.
Reads constantly.
Knowledge of runes.
Prefers words over battle.
Parlor tricks.
Far to calm.
Watches everything.
Need to be careful.

That man confronted me about relation.
Had the stone.
Talks to much.
To obvious.
Might be on purpose.
To many variables to be sure.
To close.
Gained to much trust.
Might be the death of her.

The lady is to trusting.
Might be an act.
Seems to care.
Good source of information.
Pays the professor for protection.
Strange child.
But useful.

*Ana absently places a hand to her neck, where the scar from the whip still remains. Rubbing gently, and wincing from the burn, she curses....
"Damn fool man"

-Journal Entry 17 April, Anastasia Clemont

Dearest Journal,

Oh what a night. At the dome last night a lady came screaming and we gave chase, we followed her to the docks and what we saw was a most disgusting sight. Bodies. Dozens of them were floating in the water, looking bloated and had pieces missing off of them, the one body of a woman we found alive and I healed her...I wonder now if she would have been better off dying as she was, for when she regained her consciousness she had only part of a tongue and no eyes, she was scared and tried to run away, it turned out she was a drow and she got shot with an arrow not long after she was healed. Our stupidity led us to follow the attackers, I don't know why we did that, we found ourselves surronded by drow and Mori's voice came out of the darkness at us.

We told him we would go in peace but he had three of his "pigeons" as he called them try to steal our gold, when they couldn't do that they stripped us of our clothing and threw rocks and pebbles at us. I've not been so embarassed before, what would people say if they knew I was alone in the jungle, naked with a group of men...I guess that doesn't matter.*sighs* We fought the drows and finally they were killed as the sands caved in beneath their feet. I will have to remind myself to thank Thamior for praying for clothing for us. I don't think that the drow are done with us and now I'm probably in more danger than ever...it seems what Kuno said in his letter is coming true, but I can't turn to him for safety, Kevorin is protecting me just fine, we will see how long it takes for the drow to come back for us, I wonder if I shouldn't warn others, perhaps I will have that talk with Kuno later. frowns In a big group of people where I can be sure he won't try anything tricky...That is all for now, I have much to think about..

Rosalyn Lovine
-Journal Entry 19 April, Rosalyn Lovine

:::strolling through town, dressed simply in a pale, non-descript, lightweight gown, her hand pauses in her walk at her throat, letting her fingers walk over the collar she wears. As she arrives home, she sits with tea at the table, retrieving her journal and stops to pen a short entry::::

Hmm...it doesna seem so bad tha' I 'ave been collared. Aye, tis true, I do belong now. In a Family including Vixen Blade, and a young one named Cipriana. A Family again....*sighs* I wonder 'ow long this Family will 'old taegether.

:::shakes her long, dark red hair lightly, letting the petals fall from the tresses::::

M'Da isna 'appy about this. 'e swears tha' nae one o'is children will e'er be slaves. Per'aps twill nae be much like tha'... I donna knae, I 'avena been in this position long.

::: Pauses for a long moment to think of the one who placed the collar about her throat, pondering the man as she writes::::

I donna exactly knae wha' tae think o' Boss Kuno... I 'ave met 'im before.. though, I 'ave nae e'er spent much time around 'im. 'e seems kind enough...at least I believe so.

::: she shrugs off the thought lightly as she rises, hastily scribbling her signature to the page, to go and find her Master for the day:::::

Tikaris Kyra Flynn{BK}
-Journal Entry 19 April, Tikaris Flynn{BK}

*Stopping for a little break on her errand, she goes home to feed the cat, and get off of her feet. She goes home, closing the door but not needing to lock it anymore. Bradley's dead, the threat is gone. She climbs on her bed and wiggles her hand between the mattress and the frame, reaching and finding her diary and quill, and sprawls out on her belly just to write a few lines*

I didn't like staying at Vixen's house

I do love my new collar, its beauty isn't just in the jewels, it's in the secret inscription. I can close my eyes and still see it as (his first name) presented it. He says I'm special

Staying at Vixen's made me feel otherwise though all alone in that room

Will I miss Bradley? Not Bradley himself no he was sick he was beyond twisted but the thought that someone loved me and only me, well that I will miss because even though I love (his first name), I still have trouble with the notion of.....sharing"

*she got enough out and doesn't want to lose track of time. She shoves her diary under the bed and gets back out to finish up*

Journal Entry, 19 April, Cipriana{BK}

After hours of crying she has no tears left to shed. Her head throbbing, eyes red and swollen from crying for hours, she drags herself out of bed and yells for the maid t bring some coffee, then winces as the yelling makes her head throb worse. She sits down at the desk, dragging her journal to her.

"What a horrible week. He misreads the leter I sent. Threatens me with death if I come to the manor to see our daughter. Fires me and takes away my office. I dont care about the Guild or the office. And now this...the worst punishment of all. He asks Jane to marry him.

I planned on writing him once he calmed down. I waited to long I guess. I doubt he cares how i feel anyways.

And they think I will drag Kuno to the alter because of this?? No, thats not going to happen. I have always loved Alterio and that wont stop now...but I wont interfer. If he wants to marry her I cant stop him. In time he will see he made a huge mistake just like the other times.

Am I staying or leaving the Island? I dont know what to do. What I -do- know is I dont want to see them. So what to I do? Stay lockedup here is this room and refuse to leave it? I just cant handle seeing them together.

"she sighs and rubs her temples..as the maid arrives with the coffee she sets the tray on the desk and is instructed that no one is to be allowed in. She is seeing no visitors"

:::See that -No- one makes it past the front door. You will be fired if anyone does. I am not accepting visitors::: The maid nods and leaves her room meekly not knowing what to say.

-Journal Entry 20 April, Vixen Blade