~Awakens inside his ship "Victory of Man" and stands. He walks outside onto the deck and stretches while observing the silver seaport marina. Seeing no new ships at the moment he decides to go get his captain's log from inside his corridors. Upon finding it he returns to the deck and leans against the side of his ship while gazing at the island before him. He then strikes up a pen and begins writing.~ Captain's Log #2,

After a mere three days in this strange isle I have managed somehow to offend three residents. And what a surprise they're all elves. Well at least they all act like elves. Actually only one is a true elf the others are halflings who appear to have more elven traits then human, pitty.

Anyways the first conflict happened when a half drow entered and started demanding horses of all things. That didn't really bother me it actually entertained me for awhile up until the point when he was going to down grade himself. He was about to make a martyr out of a pathetic little elvish creature who pissed him off. I simply stepped in and informed this half drow of his potentially fatal blunder and how easily to correct it. Unfortunately he took offense and turned on me. The second incident happened last night when I merely offered another halfling a drink of ale. After claiming I called him a cupcake some magical time before I even docked at this island he made himself angry and drew his sword on me. I've nearly had my fill of elves and if I didn't need my sails replaced I'd leave this place for sure.

~He then puts down his pen and closes the book. After watching a dockhand scurry about he exits his vessel and begins walking towards the bazaar.~
-Journal Entry 23 July, Vincent Baine

~Taking a few moments while all the children are playing nearby, she pulls out her journal and sits to write~

Everything here has gotten better, including the little lass Mia. She seems to be feeling better. Im glad to see her up and around again.

Alterio gave Jane her birthday present. It is an absolutely gorgeous ring. A ~monstrous~ thing. However, it suits her. She deserves such things. She is consistently worrying over the children, and little Paulie. I see her in with the children at least twice a day, when time permits.

Alterio has been better, recovering well from his ordeal upon the mainland. Its good to see his prescence about the Manor again. The children are overjoyed to have him here for a little while.

Myself...well, my life revolves around these children. Since Bailey has left and returned to the mainland, they are all I have left. Each day they grow more and more like my own family. All of them, not just the children.

Perhaps sometime soon, I shall revisit the Pleasuredome. I havent been there in quite some time. Maybe it would do me good to try and be social again with the others of the Island.

~Looking up as one of the children squeals, she stands, to go and dust off Alkane's skinned knee. Leaving her journal open alongside her seat to dry.~
-Journal Entry 23 July, Tika Flynn

~After her visit with Char, and Ros, the ordeal at the Funeral Parlor, and getting Thia ready, she finally makes it back home to check on everyone. Giving Licia free reign to make whatever she wishes for supper, she sits there in the kitchen with journal in hand.~

I found Thia this morning, at the Funeral Parlor, clothed in her nightdress. Im worried about her. I know what she must be going through. I know.

Ben asked me to sail away with him last night. But, my Family here needs me. How can I leave right now? I cant leave Thia. She needs me to be here. I cant. I want to. I want to go with Ben. ~sighs~

It seems everything sets out against me all at once. I have this to deal with, Thia, and her loss of Eden.. which I would never make her go it alone. I have my Father and Chris to worry about. And now, Ben. I suppose he will just have to leave without me. I know he will at least visit me. But, will that be enough? Can that satisfy the urge I have to be with him? I dont know. Maybe it can. I doubt it.

I havent even spoken to Father about it yet. He doesnt know. I havent even talked to Thia about it. Now isnt the time to bring this up to her. Nor, have I talked with Christopher.

Everything is muddled. I suppose for now, I will just go where everything leads me.

Lyrias Dreams Morgan
~Rising, and leaving her journal up in her room, to dry, opened, she quietly slips back out, and returns to the funeral parlor.~

-Journal Entry 23 July, Lyrias Dreams Morgan

Jamek, looking for the simple comfort of journalling his activities in these trying times, pulls out the book, opening it to a blank page, and begins to write:

This land is so beautiful. It has given me another life, and the starting of the restoration of my arm. To view its aching beauty is almost like balm for the soul.

What a treacherous illusion it is.

As wormwood, one has only to scratch beneath the surface to see true evil lurking. The very land seems to be infested with vicious, honorless dogs of drow, and the ones who sit in the bar and watch are as good as in a silent league with them. Once again, I am in a land where seemingly everything turns against all things Morgan. How I grow weary of this. Now gentle Rosalyn is....I cannot even think of such a thing. It is maddening.

I know that honor prods me to take action, to throw my life heedlessly to the wind and try to slay the monstrous creature behind this, this Nemso or something. He has several cronies, and is skilled himself, so the odds of me actually succeeding in my state are very slim. Not being one to gamble on a losing wager, especially where the only victory is cold vengeance, I think that it is time I broached the subject of returning to ThornHenge to try to rebuild to my daughters, after Eden's funeral, of course. Neither seem to have anything left to hold them there, and it is only a matter of time before things get out of hand. I can only be baited so far, and if Christopher, Thia, or Lyrias should be hurt I know I would not stop until death claimed me.

I am making preparations to leave by boat. If I have to drag them away, for they are Morgan-ly stubborn, I will do so. Our place, it seems, is not to be on these fair shores, where lawlessness reigns. So be it, I am prepared for whatever shall come. We shall return to ThornHenge and restore it, or die trying in a worthy cause together. It is not without some regret that I consider this, but I believe it is for the best.

I have approached a young fighter named Piper Barrett. He has agreed to bodyguard young Christopher around the clock, and Lyrias has set up a watch with more guards around her holdings. This is good, and should serve us well. I pity the folk of this land, and I hope the Carazzis will try to help those we will be leaving behind. I shall also invite Ben to come along; I find his company relaxing. I know it is too late to extend the invitation to Rosalyn, and this knowledge cuts me to the quick. But so it must be.

Perhaps this will be my last entry here in this land. May Fortune smile of the Morgans. Nobility is a matter of the heart, and in this world of Woe, a noble heart matters.

Jamek, Lord Duke Morgan of ThornHenge
-Journal Entry 23 July, Jamek Morgan

the journal is plucked up, and written in after what seems like ages~

Things are better now. Mia's body is still weak from the ordeal she's been through, but I believe I've effectively countered the poison. She's up and about now, though she tires quickly. It may be some time before she's back to her old self, though she has been rather loudly demanding cookies of late. I'm keeping a close eye on her, and Hestia's been minding the shop and sending midgets calling for more for more serious cases. The minor ones she's been referring to other, reputable healers until I return to work. Which should be soon, I'm thinking.

Alterio...is a wonderous man. The belated birthingday gift he gave to me is beyond exquisite, and as I wonder at the cost of something so fine, he seemed so proud and pleased to give it to me that I didn't have the heart to chastise him for spending what must have been a fortune. And I really do love it. And truly it's not blatantly ostentacious like my engagement ring. He's been...very good lately. He told me the story of his being marooned with Xanthia, and I didn't even think to question his fidelity. Things have definitely changed. I really never dared to hope that we could get on so well. But ours has been a resilient connection, and I've always loved him, even when I abhorred him.

Things have changed, though, as I said. I hesitate to announce anything definitive yet, but I feel this nagging sensation, this sense that there's something within me. I guess I'll know in about a week...

The children keep me sane in this place. They're all so wonderful. Even Felina doesn't get on my nerves so much anymore. I remember when the manor was oppressive, and I felt trapped here. Now it's like...the sun has come in. Maybe it's Tika. She's one of the most amazing people I know.

Sincerely,
Jane S. Maichen Carazzi
P.S.
Silly me forgot to mention Paulie, when he's got me so excited these days. He's walking about now with my help. It's so amazing to see him, his little hands in mine, taking such strong, yet shaky steps across the floor... Life truly is a miracle.
-Journal Entry 24 July, Jane Maichen Carazzi

Rosalyn paces back in her living room, her face having carried a look of blank acceptance for so long that it now seems natural. She fidgets with a piece of thread in her hands and then finally plops down on the couch and picks up her journal. Flipping through the pages she reads several of the entries before turning to a blank page and writing down her thoughts in a shaky handwriting that doesn't look much like her own.

Dear Journal,

My thought come unclearly to you at this time as I'm not sure even what they are myself. What I thought should have been a heartbreaking occurance turned out to be the most confusing conversation of my life. This collar around my neck should have been waiting to come off at this point, not seeming like it will remain for a good deal of time if not forever. I never expected the reply I got from Charquin and its left me with such confusion all day long. I have decided to stay at home, thinking of Kevorin's words..that perhaps I am hurting others with my decision, it certainly doesn't seem like I am hurting Charquin. She has not spoken to me since our meeting,though I have checked on her often, I see her sleeping in her bed and I start to speak, but I have nothing to say, so I have kept silent all day long speaking only now through the words on paper. This is how I will end this entry, and leave to pray that the situation does not worsen in anyway.

*She leaves the journal unsigned and laying open on the table beside the couch.*
-Journal Entry 25 July, Rosalyn Lovine

~The time nearing daybreak, with the pinkening of the skies, she glances up out the window of her shoppe, deciding it time to go hoome, for at least, a little sleep.~

~Nodding to those few native elves she knows, whom doing her a favor, stay close to her home, she walks inside, and directly upstairs to her room, cleaning herself up, changing clothes, and finally taking a minute to sit and write in her journal before curling up beside Ben and going to sleep.~

Both Ben and Father want us to leave the Isle. Seems either way I turn, neither wants to stay. I'm not entirely sure about it.. as Thia stated last night, if we simply leave then we are no better than they are. I've yet to know a Morgan, my Father especially, to tuck tail and run. I know his arm causes him much distress, but, I still have never known him not to stand his ground. And I am definitely not one to turn and walk away from problems. I never have been.

I love my Father very much, I love my Family very much, but, since the old home was destroyed, this is the only home Ive had. There is much here.. my husband lived here. And though I have moved on, I still linger upon these beautiful shores.

~sighing softly, she redips her quill and sets it to parchment once again.~

I did get the chance to speak to Janey last night. It is good to know that Mia is doing better. I had heard the child was poisoned. What a cowardly thing to do.. poison a child. She says all the children are doing well, and I am glad to know that. That is the only information Ive had since my disowning. How I long to see those children again. Maybe one day Ill be allowed to.

Perhaps our talking to Father last night helped him to see things differently. If things become resolved here, I know he would stay. However, if they dont.. Im sure he will leave, or die trying to turn the course of Fate. Hes been with us such a short time, and its hard to think of losing him again.

~Glancing at Ben as he moves on the bed, she smiles gently. Looking up at her from the comfort of the bed, he calls to her to come and sleep, seeing the first light of dawn through the bedroom window. Leaving the journal open to dry, she rises, and goes to curl into bed beside him, falling to sleep with one of his arms draped lazily over her.~
Journal Entry 26 July, Lyrias Dreams Morgan