Jamek comes back from a night at the Dome, one pleasantly peaceful and relaxing. Looking on, he spies his Journal, quill and pouch of blotting sand lying on the writing desk where he had left them. Smiling to himself, he crosses the room, opening the book up to a fresh page and taking up the quill.

How can such guilt mingle with such pleasure? It almost seems blasphemous, such pure emotions blending in such a way. But my heart is in turmoil, so perhaps this honest paper will help me to sort these tangles out.

Never let it be said that I did not love my X'elisha with all my heart and mind. When she was with me, I was fully dedicated to her health, comfort, and happiness. In her I found a capable mother for our children, each one beautiful and handsome in their own right, from our union. I could ask for no better wife, and there is little that has ever been brought before me in temptation that has wounded me so, as when Alterio Carazzi II suggested going back to ThornHenge and returning her to the Isle to ressurect her with our other children.

Such a thing, though, is base blasphemy to me. We are given one cycle of life, each; whether by old age or violence, they must end. The moment we begin second-guessing the gods, we incur their wrath, or perhaps we deserve to. Had I been consulted, I'd now still be lying in rest at her side. But I must now be selfless, giving my new life to my daughters and grandson, rather than indulge a dark whim to return to the chill grave, in grief of my loss. With the altercation with the wretch Nemesio, I had an opportunity, but my duty to my family held me from death.

Even without my daughters, now, another flame holds my tired spark yet to these bright realms. The maiden Licia, our healer, has strong feelings for me, and has had the courage to tell me of them. Perhaps this does not surprise me overmuch, for others have swooned over me when I was younger. What does amaze me is that I find my heart reaching out to her as well. She is a slip of a girl, where I am a battlehorse, going gray from too many battles and sorrows. She has the maturity, I think, and the sincerity to be serious about her convictions. I do believe her when she tells me that she wants me as a friend, and dreams of becoming my wife one day. But so young...I worry for ruining her youth should she spend it with me, but she is only half-elven, so our spans should coincide.

I do believe that whatever goddess blessed this island, she gifted it with a balm for the soul. My grief, impossible to maintain for as long as I'd have wanted, now fades to a dull ache and warm memories. My friendliness...no, being honest, I may call it desire...toward Licia grows daily. I hope that I am making the right decision, one that is fair to both her and myself. But mostly to her.

I shall write again when I have disentangled more of my feelings, I suppose.

Jamek takes a nap, letting the ink dry on the desk, before rising to go to the SSAG headquarters.

-Journal Entry 9 August, Jamek Morgan

The isle is beautiful. From the crow's nest, I saw it first hand during her sunrise.

My savings would be considered a comedy by now. But I am sure there must be a job opportunity or two that needs filling. We'll see how the day ends.

However, I tired. One of such elegance needs his rest for the night, which I heard is the day's peak of socialism. Crystal Shores is finely heard about the taverns of Ol' A-City.

-Journal Entry 11 August, Marcelo

Rosalyn sits in the dome, very much alone. Her journal spread out in front of her.

Dearest Journal,

Apparently there has been some sort of accident at the SSAG offices, I hear word of a death , and some injuries. I should go down and check out what is going on, meet with somebody who would know what is happening, this might not be one isolated incident. *sighs*

On a more personal note, I've found myself lonely as of late. I don't see Charquin, nor her sister. Gwen has not been around for some time, and even some of the regulars I have missed seeing in the dome. Kevorin as been gone as of late, I feel us growing apart yet I don't know what to do about it. I wish for more attention than I am given and it sounds selfish to me to do so, but I can not go on being so alone yet tied to another. Its just not right. I know that Kevorin has his issues, his lack of control on himself scares him but I wish that just once my wants would be taken in consideration. I don't want to only see him when I go looking for him. I think that he might not feel as strongly as he thinks and I wonder if my thoughts are not straying away from him as well.

I will not linger on this subject, there are other things that could use my attention.

Rosalyn Lovine
-Journal Entry 15 August, Rosalyn Lovine

Dearest Journal,

Tonight the island has lost another soul. Shinoobe was killed in battle with Myth. In his death I've found out a few things. First off he muttered that he loved me as he took his last breath, and then later it is discovered that he carried a drawing he had done of me around in his peg leg, along with this ring. *she takes the ring off her finger and looks at it with a sigh, setting it down on the desk in front of her* I can't take things like this and not feel guilty. I was only his friend not his love and yet in death I feel like he must have wanted more. Love is in the air perhaps. Charquin has written me after not hearing from her for many days. She is going off to Achethe with the elder. I hope she knows what she is doing, and I hope she will be happy. If he ever hurts her he will have to answer to me. *sighs* Still nothing from Kevorin, I'm not holding my breath. I can see this relationship dying before my eyes.

Rosalyn Lovine
-Journal Entry 17 August, Rosalyn Lovine

Dear Journal,

I have been spending time at my own house as of late. So much so that I rarely see anyone besides young Raven Canales ... and Phayde.

Yes, Phayde.

He is staying here. With me.

.......And I love him.

Better still, he loves me.

He said he wishes to speak to my father soon about paying court to me, with further inquiry to marriage. I can not say I dont encourage that. I do. I look forward to the day.

As for Raven, I find her independence and spirit remeniscent of my own. When my parents died and my siblings and I were left alone to be raised by my uncle's family, I spent more time than she does trying to be as self-supporting as possible. I tried not to need anyone. Luckily my family wouldnt allow me or any of the others to withdraw too far. I am trying to do the same for Raven. She is a dear girl. I could easily adopt her into my life.

Well, we shall see about that.

Anyway I need to go. I shall write more later.

Xanthia ::she leaves the journal open to dry and goes about her business::

Journal Entry 25 August, Xanthia

~Sitting alone in the small garden about her home, she takes out her journal, sitting in the sunlight as Chris plays among the trees nearby.~

The house has become so quiet lately. Even with Christopher's normal rambunctiveness. After all, he is a boy. No boy is ever truly quiet. Thia has gone to her own home. And Ben.. well... he's gone. Again.

Once again I find myself in a place where I am alone, besides the company of a child I do my best to raise. A child who is not my own, but, one I love as mine. Ocassionally I see Hestia. She and Christopher do so well together. I know he adores her. And she him as well. I think it is good for them both to spend time together.

My Father is busy as ever with his role here in the justice of the Isle. If ever there could truly be justice here on this Island. I dont see him much either. He is here on ocassion, and so is Licia.

Otherwise, it is just myself and Christopher. The way it was in the beginning. I miss the company of the others, but, perhaps the quiet and the peacefulness is what Chris and I truly need. Maybe its time to sit him down and explain to him why his Father is so distant from him. I dont want to do that, but, I doubt if I could recieve any help from Alterio in explaining this to him. In fact, I doubt if Alterio would even respond, should I pen a scroll to him. No.. its best to leave it as it is for a while longer.

I cant answer the questions Chris has posed to me as of late about the girl in the bazaar. It had to be Mia he saw. The description doesnt fit either Lia, or Mai, or Felina. Im just not sure what to tell him other than yes, he knows her. Im at a loss.

I believe I have consigned to the fact that there wont be anyone for me in my life.. at least for a while. I dont know that I would trust another man at this point anyway. I think Ive trusted too many so far. Every man I have trusted is never around long, and.. well, it serves no purpose for me or for the young man Im trying to raise. I dont need him attached to a man that isnt going to be around long enough to truly see him through the upcoming years. He has his GrandFather, that will have to be enough for now. Father does well with him, and Christopher enjoys the time they do spend together.

Time grows short, even for one with such a long life span to have enough faith and hope to one day find the mate that every soul needs to live a happy life. Sometimes I believe that day will never dawn. And, perhaps it wont.

But, for now, I have what's left of my family, and that too is enough. It has to be.

Lyrias Dreams Morgan

~Signing the journal entry, she sits it alongside her on the bench, leaning her head back to enjoy the warmth of the sun on her face, and upon her closed eyelids for a while, as she listens to Chris playing, and the sounds of the wildlife around her home.~

-Journal Entry 25 August, Lyrias Dreams Morgan

::Taking a few moments from her day to collect her most private thoughts, Licia sits down with her journal to record them. Dear Journal,

I have news. As has become habit I have been spending more and more time with Jamek. His treatments are only a part of our day together as he has become more and more a companion. It was his wish and mine that we should become further acquainted and spend as much time as we could with one another. Spending my time with him has assured me of one most definite thing. I love him more as days pass.

And last eve as we went for a walk along the beach, he asked me to marry him. Of course I accepted. I love him.

We have told no one as of yet. It is his wish to wait to announce our intentions after he has opportunity to buy a ring and 'do things right,' as he said. He's so proper an attune to these things. I let his judgement guide me.

Well I need to get back to work. I am taking Christopher with me this afternoon. I am needing some more supplies so I need to go down to the Bazarr and I promised him he could come with me.

I shall write more later,

Licia

::she leaves her journal out and open to dry as she hurries off::

-Journal Entry 27 August, Licia

Jamek pulls out his journal and quill, pausing to reflect on the night before.

Last night was both the most bewildering and wonderful night of my new life here on the Isle. Licia joined me at the Dome, where she waited for me. I know the kind of life she lived before, but I do not like seeing her there. We walked the beach instead, and my tongue got tied up more often talking to her than any barrister or ambassador. Without consciously meaning to, I asked her to marry me. I can say nothing except that my mouth ignored the warnings of my mind and listened to my heart instead.

I do so very much want my family around me. Lyrias and Xanthia both seem so haunted by their misfortunes, with nothing I can do to ease such a burden. I miss having the companionship of a wife, and Licia is a wonderful companion, sweet but intelligent, wise and yet innocent. Although she is not X'elisha, who I will never forget, she is more than worthy to be with me, of that I have no doubt. I know Xanthia supports her; our talk the night before strengthened my resolve. I hope Lyrias accepts my decision as easily.

Living together as we are makes wanting her as my wife so easy, one loving kiss at a time. I hope we get years of peace to grow with each other. I think I shall definately tell Lyrias first, so she can begin to make the rings for the ceremony. Actually, I do not even have any idea what ceremony they use here, upon further thought. I shall have to look into it.

Jamek lays the Journal down, his thought spurring him to leave it on his desk as he searches for Lyrias...

-Journal Entry 28 August, Jamek Morgan