Anastasia returns from sending off Char's scroll to the elder, and heads back to the guest room. Seeing Charquin has somehow managed to stand and walk to the bed on her own, and is now lying there, fully clothed, sound asleep.

Ana shakes her head, knowing it must have been painfull for Char to stand on her own, and mutters how her sisters "stubborness" will one day be the death of her.

Sitting down herself in the chair Charquin vacated, Ana reaches within the confines of her cloak, and produces her journal, something she has not used in quite some time, and begins to quill an entry, both for her sanity as well as to pass the time as Char sleeps.

Journal,
Tis been ever so long since i've written, much has happened, much more then i could ever find possible.

I have admitted relation to Charquin. Finally. Seems two of the men about the isle that were after me, have been slain thanks to the Elder Carazzi.

I'm sure there is more about, one never knows about these things. But for the moment I feel slightly more secure then i have in some time. Thus i finally relented and disclosed to some of our relation. Rosabell, Eyas (though i worry of this one) the elder Carazzi, and the lady Gwen.

I wished not, truth be told, for so many to know, but in light of recent events, I had little choice. Seems those very same men held Charquin Captive, having found out of my relation to her. They were to no doubt rape her and kill her afterwords. The bastards.

If it was not for the elder Carazzi, I'm sure she would have been long dead. Speaking of which, that man baffles me. He is seeminly kind and compasionate on some level, yet there is a danger about him, something hidden that i have not been able to decode. As of yet!

At first i wondered if his courtly demenor was just an act. Mayhap he was one searching for me as well. Then, after dismissing that thought, I wondered what his interest in Charquin was, for he most definatly seemed to be more eager to help once I mentioned HER life was involved. I thought mayhap he wished to be with her for her birthright once i am no longer of this world. But then i noticed this man seems well off in status upon his own, and would likely have nae a need to indulge in a folly with Charquin for that reason alone.

So many possibilities to consider, yet nothing solid to go on. One thing i have learned the man prides himself upon his cunning and wit. I see a bit of vanity there as well. But that goes without saying with those of higher classes.

Charquin seems to be quite enamoured with him as well. Though she will speak little of it. She admited it to me, upon one of our rather long "talks" yet will nae go into details. She is doing better in regards to injury. Her face is beginning to loose its swelling, yet a few bruises remain about her eyes and her cheek. The worst injury she sustained by far seems to be her bruised ribs, which the Lady Gwen has bound tightly. Its difficult for Char to stand upon her own. For she claims the bindings so tight they are worse then a corset.

Char has written a scroll to the elder this day. Suposedly thanking him for his assistance, and inquiring as to when he can grant her an audience so she can thank him in person. she would nae let me read the scroll, and i didnt ask, tis her personal business, and I am far from having a "close" relationship with her as of yet. Though we are making some progress.

I have nae seen Rosabell, since she left a few days ago. Gwen healed her as well, from a nasty head wound she recieved. But it seems she has gone off on business and has nae returned since. Mayhap she is staying at Charquins keep in order to give us some privacy. I wish she would return soon. I do nae wish for Char to be alone as of yet. And i have business to attend to as well.

Speakig of business, I must meet with the elder Carazzi soon, I have agreed to negotiations for land holdings at home. Seems he needs a place for his knights to regroup, and I am inclined, after what he did for Char, to allow him such from my vast holdings. Though I am concerned that there are more there who would seek to do harm to me and any allies i might allow to take over some land. Especially outsiders. It all remains to be seen. But i feel tis the least i can do for the man. He drives me to drink at times, with his demans of "ladylike" manors in his presence,such a nonsence practice. Serves no purpose. But he did save my sister..something I could not have done, though i loath to admit that.

*Glancing up as Char begins to stir, she quickly ends her journal*

I do hope things work out for Char in the long run, the kid has been thru so much. She spoke of a family some day, and while i find that utterly discusting in practice, I hope for her sake, she finds what it is she wants.

Anastasia L. Clemont
-Journal Entry 12 July, Anastasia L. Clemont

My doting daughter Lyrias has been kind enough to provide me with paper and quill at my request. I feel that I must write my thoughts down to make sense of the maelstrom into which I have plunged, risen from, and wallow in yet.

I know that I am the man, Jamek Morgan, patriarch of my House, which now is smashed and in ruin. All that I once was, I see now before me in a mirror, but darkly. I cannot hide my sadness after witnessing the fall of beloved ThornHenge, the death of my beloved X'elisha, and knowing now that of my children, only Xanthia and Lyrias survived me. I will not live a lie, and so I grieve, as is proper. But I know I shall always feel them with me, and shall try to draw comfort from them.

The magic which brought me back from the halls of the dead left my body crippled, my left arm charred and useless. Being a warrior, not wishing to become infected with the Black Devourer, I asked that the limb be removed, and was informed that it may be restored, by the power of this magical land and the skill of a trained healer, such as the Ladies Rosalyn and Licia. I have begun this painful process, with mustard grains of progress to show for it. Still, to fire a bow again, and to not live as a cripple...I will bear any pain to live by my own means, I swear!

The world I awoke into is fair to the eye, but it is still a world that continually reminds me of the holes in my heart. I must take comfort in my grandson, Christopher, and my daughters, Lyrias and Xanthia. Lyrias seems to be well-comforted by Master Calkane, although I wonder about thier intentions for their relations. She has not lost her stubborn streak, and loves her measure of independance, it seems. It must be a cool comfort to house me under her roof, I am afraid. I shall do all I may to not be a burden to her, and Benjamin is a wise, if eccentric man, and enjoyable to talk to.

It is to Xanthia to whom my concern falls mainly. My ressurection, it seems, was requested not by the desire of my children, but at the whim of Lord Alterio Carazzi II for his own purposes. Lyrias believes the man wishes me to call my daughter to heel, requiring her to dissolve the bonds of marriage to her husband, Eden Arcane. The hubris of the man, to claim such command over my life and my well-deserved rest, must know no bounds. I am not dispossessed to like the man, after such treatment, and as he has made no effort to contact me after his return, I must assume he was gravely injured after the ordeal back at ThornHenge. Mayhaps he possesses great clout in this land, but should he presume too much with me...we shall see.

Having met Eden, I must say that I am unimpressed and underwhelmed by him. The man cringed from me as if I were the Gatekeeper of the Hells in person. He insulted my daughter's honor by denying his worth, and I lost my temper and fed him a clout he shall not soon forget. My patience seems to have slipped some; Master Calkane was not surprised, so soon after my return. He doesn't know the pride I place in my self-control, I fear, but I hope to learn, from my daughter or experience, what merits her husband possesses to have been found worthy by her to wed, for I have seen little to date, but for his wealth.

Xanthia is brooding and evasive when I speak to her...little wonder of that, considering the circumstances. I wish so dearly to numb the pains of my loss, but I shall not shirk my responsibilities to my family, with my daughters and grandson yet alive to carry on the Morgan traditions. I pray, as a father, that they prosper, guided by what I have taught them since birth. They are each fine young women and a fine young man, listening to the Morgan blood in their hearts. I must restore the glory of the Morgans, to give them and their families a standard to rally around again, as I did once a lifetime ago. I pray that I am up to it.

Lord Jamek Morgan
(freshly written)Formerly Duke of ThornHenge
-Journal Entry 12 July, Lord James Morgan

Returning home, after having had a nice long chat with her sister, and checking upon everyone, she sits at the kitchen table with her journal, ink, and quill.~

Well now. Seems Im not the only one leery of this letter that Alterio has sent to Father. Thia's pretty worried about it too. Who wouldnt be after the fit the messenger threw at the house.. not to mention the damned rocks! Throwing rocks at my windows and such. Really, now, are such tactics necessary? I think not.

Whatever it was in the letter it had to be important for the messenger to remain once Thia tried to shoo him off. ::: grumbles::: I dont want to have to answer to Father. It could bode painful for me.. and for Thia. Well, one way or another, we have to find out what was in that letter. Surely, if it is important enough, Father will let us know. Oh will he let us know.

Thia and I reminisced about alot of things that used to be at ThornHenge. Like Seb for one. Oh my... Sebaylius.. now that was a man worth notice. Handsome as all hell too. :: giggles::

I havent much to do besides what little work has come into the jewelry shoppe. Speaking of which.. Im still curious as to this half-ogre/half-human that kept following me around all day. I swear if Alterio is behind this, he'll never hear the end of it. Maybe Ill just get him lost too. It worked before.

Nah, Ill just see if Ben will keep me company on my trips to the bazaar for a little while. Not that I need the help. Ok, maybe I will... he -is- bigger than me. But, I think I can handle him. It shouldnt be so hard. Ogres arent all -that- bright. At least, I hope this one isnt.

Father seems to be enjoying his time with Christopher, and Im glad to see that. Christopher needs to know his GrandFather now that he is around. I only wish the boy could know his father. I doubt that will happen. Im not even going to press that issue anymore. Its like petting a dead horse. Its not going to do any good.

Well, its late. Licia will be here in the morning to help Father as much as she can. That will be good. It will keep him occupied at least long enough for me to return to the shoppe to finish that piece of jewelry for Kevorin.

Lyrias Dreams
-Journal Entry 13 July, Lyrias Dreams

Trying to keep a low profile in this place is like drying my cloak in a monsoon. I have not seen anything close to another ogre,or half breed like me.

Time to focus on the basics. 1) Find a tavern or inn with a room and a plentifull supply of whatever passes for an intoxicant around here.

2) Find a way to retsore my memory or seek out a healer.

3) Figure out what to do about that red headed elf and Alterio. I don't know what he has done to her in the past, but I get the feeling it wasn't exactly on this side of day break. Wander if he's got spine enough to make a reply to my letter or if it is his Armor that holds him upright.

-Journal Entry 13 July, Beljaron Polgarath

Dear Journal;

Well, I'd hoped for a better day and yet...

It started off that Father got a letter from Alterio. I had tried to chase off the messenger but he wouldnt go. He ended up delivering the letter personally to my father regardless of effort. Lyrias and I are both concerned. I dont know what that letter said. We have yet to hear, but I am sure we will.

I hired that healer, Licia to come and help Father on a daily basis. She's a nice young lady. Looks half elven too. Young tho'. She looks at Father in a certain way. As though she is in awe of him. I think the resurrection had that effect, maybe ... hmm cant be sure... But, well... Perhaps, along with Christopher & getting acquainted with other locals, she can occupy Father's time and keep him from trying to run my & Lyri's lives. Anyway, it will be good to have someone else around. If things work out we might consider asking her to move into the house. Not that Father needs a nurse, but.... Well.... we'll see. Lyrias and I talked about things of that nature and well, it depends upon how things go.

I do know it's good to have Father with us. BUt I am still apprehensive. Ah well, on to other things....

I went to the Bazaar and made arrangements for presents to be delivered to Alt & Chas. I am sure they will meet with approval. I sent a full library of reference books on magery to Chas along with a gift certificate for a new staff. And I purchased Alterio a (sliver-plated, engraved & gem-adorned) sword. I know these are just 'things' and they are not really much .. really .. but they reflect my gratitude. I pay my debts.

Then I tried to talk to Alterio. We argued, as usual. I didnt want to, I really didnt. I apologized for being bothersome. I admitted that I had been wrong. That I had been blinded. And as difficult as that was for me, he was not satisfied. He admonished me further, making me admit further that he had told me it was a mistake from the beginning. Facing him like that, I just wanted to cry. But I didnt. Father would have been proud of me, I think.

I am still unsure of what will happen between Eden and I. Ros seems to think I should give him a chance. Lyrias and Father just seem to be waiting for me to make up my mind. Every time I talk to him, the more I find out, I hurt more. I have yet to let anyone know how much. I dont know if anyone has heard me crying. But at night, when everyone else has fallen to sleep... I cant seem to. And I cry.

More later,

Xanthia
-Journal Entry June 13, Xanthia