Dearest Journal,

Life on the island has been most uneventful lately. Though I don't wish for anything horrible to happen, I have my hands full with things as it is. Gwen and I are really working hard on getting the theater together. It gets more exciting by the day. We've hired a newcomer, Laklynn, to write a script for us, I hear it will be ready by the end of the week and then we will have to do auditions. Everything seems to be falling into place. Eden has even offered to donate a large sum of money to us for the cost of the building. I think that's an extremely nice idea, I have to speak to Gwen about it right away.

Regarding other things, Alterio's father came back to the island last night and was inquiring about Charquin of all people. I wonder if he knows about Eyas, I find the whole thing rather strange. He had this look in his eye last night when we spoke of her, as if he was already very fond of her, I can't imagine that they have met on too many occasions, though he says Char wrote him a letter. Perhaps she doesn't tell me everything...I shall have to ask her about it as soon as I can, I'm very interested in finding out what this is all about. For now though I must get back to work, perhaps more will come to my mind to write later, until then.

Rosalyn Lovine

-Journal Entry 12 June, Rosalyn Lovine

Dear Journal,

It seem that the theatre is on track. I decided that I'd try out for the play. It turns out that I'll be working with Gwen and Rosalyn on it. Then there's what Rosalyn told me last night. Xanthia has returned. I know it should be good news, but I'm afraid that maybe things have changed too much. Last time I actually saw her, I...nevermind. Well, I just hope I can face her. Gods help me.

Eden Arcane
-Journal Entry 17 July, Eden Arcane

Dearest Journal,

Days on the island go by with little happening to remember them by. Gwen and I have been working with Eden on the theater, things are coming along, we only wait for a script to begin auditions, and hopefully we will hear more from the construction elves regarding the building itself. I happened to see Thia last eve, she has returned to the island now, though for how long she is not sure, its nice to see another face, I sincerly hope that she and Eden work whatever he is worried about out.

I have a question in my mind now constantly. Where are my friends, those that I hold nearest and dearest to me? I have not seen Charquin or Eyas in some time, I suppose I have not really made an effort to make the way to their home, I suppose I am afraid that they don't wish to be bothered. And Kevorin, he is around, I'm sure of it, he does come home at night, but its either before or after I have gone to my bed. He's been working hard in his shop it seems. I admit, I have walked in the bazaar and peered in his window, only to see the small bit of light from the back room where I assume he sits fooling around with magic. I'm sure when he truly wants to see me, he will, until them I will just assume that I'm not a top priority at this time.Regardless days will go on. No matter the outcome, I'll survive,I have to.

Rosalyn Lovine
-Journal Entry 17 June, Rosalyn Lovine

Dear Journal,

It has been so long since I returned to these shores. And to island life. The trip back was uneventful but apprehensive for me. I was worried on many things. However, I must say the first sight of the isle as it appeared on the horizon was breathtaking and exciting.

The first person I ran into was Rosalyn. It was so good to see her. I was tired tho' so I made my excuses and went to Lyrias' home. They were home, of course and it was so good to see them both. I hope I didnt hug Christopher too tightly or too much but I just missed him so... I cried. So, well I hugged Lyri a lot too and caught up on a few things. we sat and talked .. put Chris to bed and then had some tea with Lyri. She told me Ben is staying there but I didnt see him. Then again, I retired early .. got a good nights' sleep. It was nice. The next day I went out and rode on horseback with Christopher all over the island. He's gotten to be quite the little horseman. His pony is a bit spoiled tho'. Chris is growing up so fast.

I sent him home and went into the dome. Felina was there and we talked awhile. Then Nemesio came in. we even spoke and it was 'almost mormal' .. well, for the 2 of us it was as pleasant as anything gets. Eventually, Nems left, I stepped out to go home for dinner and returned later ..

... Then .. I saw Eden.

.. Gods I thought my heart would explode. It was beating so fast, and I almost forgot breathing. All the feelings came rushing back and I felt weak. We talked a lot. I got the courage to ask if he still loved me. He said he did. I confessed I thought of him constantly & then I said I dont want to leave him again, ever. Oh I all but melted befoe I got the words out but he was as sweet and kind and affectionate as he has ever been. And now I think we will be seeing a lot more of one another. I love him.

For now, Journal, I should go.. lunch is ready

Xanthia
-Journal Entry 18 June, Xanthia

Dear Journal,

Things really seem to be looking up. Xanthia and I are together again and the theatre seems to be on track, but that's not the best thing...We're getting married. I don't know where I got the courage to ask her, but I'm glad I did. It's the best decision I've ever made. I've never loved someone as much as I love her and I want to spend my life with her. Words simply don't express how much I love her. I placed in an order for my "suit" today. I also purchased some wedding bands. They came from the pawn shop, however. The jewelry store was closed. She deserves the best, but I have to make do with what I have. I'll try my best to be the perfect husband.

Eden Arcane
-Journal Entry 19 June, Eden Arcane

at the house her cousin Hestia is currently occupying. The canary-song lifts her spirits, allows her to think a little. Paulie plays happily at her feet. She watches him with interest, slowly opening her journal in her lap~

A child. I suppose I've always been afraid of things like that. Childbirth. I never saw it firsthand. I don't really know anything about it at all. I just remember pregnancy. My mother's...her miscarriage. Then she died. I guess that's what frightens me most. But haven't I faced greater danger? And it's such a beautiful thing. And it would make it all complete, as Alterio said. He's so frightened...Mairin's old enough now to bear children. I don't know if her cycle's begun, but I think she'd tell someone. There's no fear, though. Alterio knows that, I'm sure. Mairin harbours no such interests outwardly. She's a lady, to the marrow. I'm off topic.

I'm healthy. I could bear a child. I'm small, yes, but not so small as I once was. And things have quieted some. Maybe there wouldn't be so much risk. And it would make him so happy...and me, too. Paulie makes me more happy than I've ever been. And I love Alterio. What would it be like to have a family truly ours... I love what we have now, all the children. I consider them my own, and I love them just as much. But a child with Alterio would bring everything full circle. Complete...

I wonder what it feels like to be complete.

~rising, she heads downstairs, giving Hestia a hug and a kiss on the cheek before heading back home~
-Journal Entry 22 June, Jane Maichen

Dear Journal;

I am in the most wonderful state of bliss in my entire life. I am getting married soon to the most wonderful, most understanding, most amazing man in the whole world. I love Eden beyond expression.

I am staying with him now, partly because he is concerned to make sure I am all right and partly because I just dont wish to be away from him.

Eden is my life now.

.. more later,

Xanthia
-Journal Entry 22 June, Xanthia

See?.. I said I would be back and now I am.

I need to make a list of things to do before the wedding and this is as good of a time as any.

I have my dress and shoes. They are beautiful. I feel like a princess in them. I have never dressed so fine in my life. I just want to look as pretty as I can for him. I want Eden to be proud of me.

I need to order flowers yet, Since we are having the wedding on the Darkness Heart (That's Eden's ship) I was wondering if I should order some sort of package deal from Island Bridal and have them decorate the deck of the ship.

Also, we need to confirm a date & time and then get announcements done. We have Khalidan to perfom the ceremony, I am so happy. I'll need to go over plans for it with him. I have some ideas for it which might be kinda neat.

I dont know about a reception, we'll need to figure something out. I wish the Theater was built. It would have been perfect. Oh well, we'll see about another location. I know we must have a cake and some munshies as well, fruits and nuts and mints. Oh I would live to serve Ice cream or sherbets or fruit sorbet.. those little fruit ices are so delicious. I think perhaps for other food we could have meats and cheeses and some bread o that people can have something substantial. I will contact the butcher shop; and as for drinks: well, punch of course, and we should have an open bar I love to have an ice sculpture made but.. that's really out of the question... perhaps sand sculptures instead. That would be lovely. Maybe something combined with flowers and ... well, we'll see.

I talked to Eden already and made a request for the guest list. Well not so much who to invite, but who not to invite. I do not want Alterio there. After what he said to me I dont know if he would behave properly, and he might even disrupt things. I cant have it. Eden agreed. He wasnt nothing to be in the way of our wedding or mar our happiness on that day.

Which will be the happiest of my life so far.

More later

Xanthia

::makes a copy of her ideas then pockets the list, leaving her journal open::
-Journal Entry 22 June, Xanthia

Dear Journal:

Such troubling times have descended upon us in the midst of our happiness. I am frightened to even relate them.

There are 2 ships proceeding with all speed to the Island. They are coming from Achethe, loaded with Rogues such as those who riotted there. We are told that which we have to look forward to should they land is nothing but ravage. They will pillage and burn and destroy and rape this island.

I am frightened for many reasons. The threat of these knaves being only just one. I look to this and think If Eden should fall my life will be over. I know he is thinking the same thing of me. He asked me to promise to stay away, to let others fight, but I could not make such a promise. I have as much talent and skill as many in battle. So we came to an agreement: we will both be there.

He mentioned to me that we should just marry privately before all this happens. And when it is over, we could have a public ceremony. I have thought about that myself. If we could find someone today to do it, I would. I love him.

... more later

Xanthia
-Journal Entry 25 June, Xanthia

Journal,

I am in a crossroads in my life. I see the path changing and I'm not sure where to turn or if to turn at all. Do I stay on this road and follow it through no matter how lonely I may find it? Do I turn away and head down a new path to see where it leads? I have a choice to make, well a few actually, but one that is very pressing and I don't know if I even have the strength to make it on my own. I shall write no more on this, I must leave early to speak to Charquin, there is much to say.

Rosalyn Lovine
Journal Entry 26 June, Rosalyn Lovine