~Waking early, to rise and see to Jamek's comfort, she prepares breakfast for herself, Benjamin, and Christopher. As the food cooks, she takes a moment to write in her journal.~

My father is alive once again. And in truly rare form. He seemed happy enough to have seen me, however, I dont know that he is entirely happy about having been brought back from the dead.

Im sure Eden wishes he hadnt been right about now. Eden recieved a sound punch in the jaw for his treatment and abandoning Thia. He deserved it, at least I think he did.

Ohhh but must I remember my manners now. Its obvious my Father hasnt changed one whit. I am still expected to be the Lady I was raised to be... and nothing less. I shall have to remember again, at all times to not question, nor intervene when he's speaking to someone.

~Hearing movement upstairs, she leaves her journal open to dry as she goes to inspect and see who it is moving around up there.~

-Journal Entry 10 July, Lyrias Dreams

This has been a custom of mine since I began my travels, and I have found it often useful when an occasion requires one to take a step back and analyze the situation. If nothing else, it at least gives me something to do. And so begins my log of the citizenry, my log of those I see and hear on this isle:

Khalidan-A grown toddler who throws tantrums when he does not get his way, or just to cause trouble. If he worship's anything it's either violence or himself, for that's all he seems to care about. His intelligence also seems equivilent to that of the Pleasuredome's barkeep, Donk. But I wonder if it's possible for one to be so...lacking in intelligent. I wonder if it is, perhaps, some odd rouge, in order to fool people, while he cunningly plots some scheme. If that's the case, he's one hell of an actor.

Shinoobe-Another fool, this isle seems to have an abundance of them. He prattles on and brags about how he is a thief with many friends, or a pirate to be feared. I hope each time he does so that a guardsman happens to be walking by, so he can be caught due to his own idiocy. He rivals Khalidan in his temper, yet not in his swordsmanship. It's easy to see why he's a thief with many friends, because he relies on them to survive in a fight. It is my firm belief that if he were caught in a fight alone, he would most certainly lose. Could this be a rouse as well? Doubtful, he seems to lack the intellect for such a trick.

Eden-How many fools can this isle have, I wonder. This man, from what I have heard in the dome, went on a trip with his wife and three others to a mainland area frought with peril, to retrieve his father-in-law's corpse. He then took one of the dragons use for transportation and returned to the isle, alone, and thinking that the other dragon would be able to hold four people. As it turns out, it could hold two people, leaving his wife with another gentleman on the mainland. As if that wasn't bad enough, when he father-in-law was resurrected (a process which I do not think I could do justic with words) he took off the wedding ring and claimed he didn't deserve to be married to his wife. He was punched for his efforts at striking guilt, and given a severe tongue lashing. After that, Eden walked out with his tail between his legs. Looking at the circumstances of the situation ina different matter, the man marrying, then stranding his wife in a dangerous land, then offering the wedding ring back to her father, it might seem as though he was trying to kill her. Either that or he is as foolish as I thought.

Rylndimar-Amazing, but he's not a fool, at least not in appearance. I've seen him but twice, but both times defined him well. He seems to be a noble soul...chivalrous, considerate, he has done noble deeds thus far. Thus far.

Gwen-Out of all I've met, perhaps the most trustworthy. When I look back on this, I hope to not infer that I trust her, far from it. I trust no one on this isle, and it's a good thing I don't. But she seems more likely to earn my trust than many others on this isle. A healer by profession it would seem, but also one who seems troubled.

(Mazebethe)-One who seems as arrogant as Khalidan. Her sport seems to be insulting others and threatening those who may have insulted her. She constantly prattles on, giving advice which no one wants or needs, or insults. Most certainly one to watch, for unlike Khalidan or Shinoobe, who also seem to favor anger and arrogance, this one is intelligent. At least in comparison with the other two.

This is all I have to write, of others I have seen and heard, I do not know enough to write enough to any good.

~Tobias
-Journal Entry 11 July, Tobias Trannyth

:: She sits on the bed, looking at the jouranl as she opens it and begins to write::

Dear Journal;

Well, many things have happened. I dont know how to explain them so I shall simply start from the beginning. When last I wrote I had begun to tell of the plan to go to the mainland to ThornHenge to resurrect my father.

Well we went. Before we left I told Eden everything. He was angry and upset with a slight upon my honor (because of Alterio's kiss) but I could tell with his injuries (after duelling with Ben) he didnt wish to pursue it. I told him, he needed to put off any action for my sake and he agreed. That didnt cause me much concern realy, as I thought he was just simply exercising good sense and judgement.

My opinion was to change soon. We left for ThornHenge, travelling with 2 dragons. The trip was made by Lyri, Eden, Ben, Alterio and myself. After a few problems, including some injuries to the dragons, we found my father's body. Then Eden suddenly left, taking the smaller dragon. He stranded us. We drew straws, Lyrias and Ben returned with my father's body & promised to send help and transport for Alterio and me. This was not to be, however. A storm prevented their swift return and thru a foolish action on my part, I was injured. Yes, well, in my haste to warn Alterio about the approaching storm, I fell from a tree.

The next 2 days I do not remember, exactly. I fell unconscious and I do not know what happened. I remember vivid dreams of odd things, but the reality of any of it, I doubt. It seemed real at the time but it could not have happened.

Alterio must have been caring for me. I did apologize for being bothersome. I am apprehensive to ask him what happened. I do not wish to hear once again how troublesome I was, or how my husband stranded us and my foolishness of heart lead to the expedition in the first place.... I already feel such remorse, I do not with to bear the blame for this. And yet I feel the burden resting squarely upon me.

I do not know how I can atone for this.

When we were found, Chastity healed me. I will be grateful to her for that. I dont know why she'd do it, I do not think she likes me much but, other than it was the right thing to do at the moment and she has a fondness for Eden, which I suppose is enough of a reason. OH I am rambling. The pain in my head is still throbbing .. let me finish this or I will never get it out on paper.

I owe a debt for my life to both Alterio and Chastity.

When we returned the dragon fell on landing, breaking his leg. He suffered many injuries at this folly. I feel wretched for this as well. Eden found us on the beach.

Instead of merely helping me, caring for me ... seeing to the injuries we experienced, he began to expound upon the failures he had made. It seems that everything is all about him. He said he thought I would hate him. He said he thought he was unworthy and everyone was right. He said to me "I'm just human."

How could he say such a thing to me. After everything we have endured to be together and after all the pain associated with our differences.. how could he say such a thing to me...

He also told me my father was alive and that he had punched him. This I found remarkable as my father had never once raised a hand to his children. I was tempted to tell Eden when he said 'your father hits hard,' that I wouldnt know as he had never hit me.

Instead, I had him help me to the Dome and there I had that young girl . I think her name is Licia ... help me to Lyrias' house. She was a great deal of help, healing the bruises and fatigue as well as getting me there safely. She helped me thu the house and I enlisted her aid in getting a tray of food sent to me and she proceeded to tell everyone that I should rest the remainder of the night. Which was fine with me as I didnt wish to see anyone. Especially my father. As she closed the door I heard her tell him he shouldnt disturb my rest.

Later I slipped out of the house, unnoticed or so I thought. I wanted to find Eden and speak to him. I wanted answers. Well I didnt get many. No sooner did I get to the dome and try to start talking with Eden than my father arrived. I had no choice but to speak to him. I couldnt very well avoid it. So between Eden & I, we didnt have the chance to talk much. My head began to throb and I went back to Lyrias' .. and here I am.

Maybe tomorrow will be a better day... it has to be..

Xanthia
-Journal Entry 12 July, Xanthia

~After wandering the house, quietly as she possibly could, she made her rounds to check upon those who remain beneath her roof. Stepping into Christoper's room, she found him curled up and fast asleep. Barely opening her Father's door, she found him also asleep. Finally, she made her way to her sister's room. Xanthia was also, asleep. Lastly, she opened her own door, finding there, Benjamin sleeping soundly. Finally, she headed back downstairs, sitting outside on a large rock to write in her journal.~

Thank all the Gods that Thia is home and safe. She is resting now in her room. Im just glad to have her back here where she's safe. At least now I dont have to worry about her being out in all the elements and being with Alterio.

Speaking of Alterio, even though I tell myself I shouldnt be worried about him, I wonder how he's doing. Im also wondering -exactly- why he was so anxious to have Father brought back. Whatever reason it was... I dont think it will bode well for either Thia or myself. Call it a gut instinct, or call it just knowing him well enough to know he has his reasons.

Im glad to have my Family all beneath one roof again, and that family does include Ben. Ben has been with me through all of this. Just like he always has been. There's alot to say about Ben, but, little Im going to put to paper. Somethings are better left enclosed in the folds of one's mind. I think perhaps, at least for the time being, this is one of those times.

I have plenty to keep me occupied now. What with assuring myself that Christopher, Thia, and Father are all well. And, of course, Ben too. This is a good thing. Too many oldmemories have been drug to the fore. Too many thoughts of Taelie, and.... well.. I just dont want to drag those up again. Though, I still cant seem to escape my memories. I truly hope that when I do fall asleep this night, my nightmares wont come. Yes, the scenes still linger in my sleeping mind. I cant seem to make them stop. Sometimes I just wish they would leave me be. Its time to move on and keep going. I do indeed still live and breathe.

Lyrias Dreams

~Sighing, she retrieves her journal, walking back inside, and places it (perhaps foolishly) upon the kitchen table, left open to dry, and heads up to her own bedroom to curl in against Ben and pray that the nightmares are kept at bay~
-Journal Entry 12 July, Lyrias Dreams

Dearest Journal,

Its been awhile. I have not had the time to write, nor the words. Charquin is recovering from the ordeal, she is at my house. Eyas is being moodier than ever, I spoke with him last night and the crazy man even denies my friendship it seems. Others say that this will pass but he hurt me deeply. Kevorin is home, he is staying at Charquin's until Char is better. Ana has been a constent visitor at my house, it seems she and Char are bonding, I am a bit jealous now that they have a real relationship, but I know this must make Char incredibly happy, the one thing she has always wanted since I've known her was for Ana to accept her as her sister, I'm happy for them both, I think they need each other. Ana apparently thinks Char needs the elder Carazzi as well, I'm sure she is right , he would be good for Charquin. In other island news it seems, I've aquired yet another father *grumbles* I'm not sure the grand total on that yet, but if one more man puts me in the corner, I'm going to scream. That is all for now, I think I will try to get myself to the shop, I haven't been able to go the bazaar since the incident at the stables.

Rosalyn Lovine
-Journal Entry 12 July, Rosalyn Lovine