:;She sighs as she sits on the beach, the night breeze blowing strands of hair across her face. She shakes herself out of her thoughts and writes them down::

Ah...I love my life...I find love one minute, then the next miinute, fate takes it away. I haven't seen Alex for 4 days now. Oh...no...scratch that...I saw him last eve, but as soon as I opened my mouth to say something, he left, with no goodbye or anything. I wish he knew how much that hurts, and as usual, I let my emotions take over, as I do in situations such as this one, and wrote him a letter. I will be the first to admit it wasn't very nice, but what could I have said so it would have been nice? I am torn wether to forget about all of this and smile and be happy, or should I confront Alex about it? Eh...if and when I see him.

I feel I need to throw this ring at him, thankful that it is only a gift and not a proposal, or just forget it....hmmm...maybe keep the ring. It is beautiful.... Ah what am I saying?!? I do love Alex, but what am I to do if he isn't around to love? I felt awful ever since last eve...anyone with a head on their shoulders would be able to tell that something was wrong...except Alex who just dashed out of there as if chased by wild dogs... Ah...hmmm...shall I get out of defensive mode and actually ask for someone's advice? Likely I won't... I will just feel lost and such until I get over this... I swear, if there are gods in the heavens, they really don't like me....

~Lina

:;She sighs and wipes stray tears from her eyes as she closes her journal and heads over to the Pleasure Dome to see what, if anything, is going on::

--Journal entry 17 July, Lina Metallium

...It would seem, as a child, growing up in a realm of magicks and illusions, that it may be a more difficult challenge to understand what goes on had the circumstances been any different. That, perhaps, is the drawback of a childhood in a Den of Sin... Lia seems to be much older in the soul than in the body, and growing even faster when surrounded by so few that are even close to her age (take this puberty at the age of 33..) And when confronted by what she somehow senses to be so and the fact that she is only 4 years old, the result is something rather physically painful and emotionally baffling. And so, because there are countless potential errors in attempting a thank you in Lia-speech, it is noted that everyone who is a mentor, beloved friend or relative, and vastly everyone who is close to Lia, a sincere thank you, for being what she's not had- parents. This partially because cupcakes can only solve so much, and she's not able to voice, quite yet, the immense feeling of security, warmth, happiness and love, that she most definitely feels. Blessed be, All.

--Journal entry 17 July, Thirlia

*rests the parchment on a table as he sits down in the empty dome to write*

Well it seems with my new times i see no one now,, Azorah is still mad at me so i dont get the comfort of her company and Lyri is yet to be found. I do so hope she is safe.

I think I shall retire to my secret home and try to make it a bit less lonely.. having a friend her son and nanny staying there helps a bit but i want lyri here with me.

*he sighs as he lays the quill down and places the parchment to dry*

--Journal entry 17 July, Taeliesyn

:The ten year-old adopted daughter of Alterio Carazzi regards the parchment upon her desk thoughtfully. She's seated properly upon the chair, unbound chameleon curls of white-blonde to gentle, bright red flowing to her waist, waiting to be braided. She's clothed in a very proper and modest nightgown, expensive lace at collar, wrists and hem. Her grey-violet eyes are big in a small, peaked face. She carefully reaches for the quill:

Dear Diary,

I've never written anything down before. At least, not my personal thoughts like this. When I was smaller, and learning to write, my birth father told me anyone who spent any unnecessary time in writing was weak. I remember that. I'm not sure why. I don't like to think about those things.

I worry for Father. He rarely eats or sleeps enough, and it seems as though something is always making him unhappy. He hurts somewhere inside, even when he's smiling. I wish he didn't. I try real hard to be good so he won't have to suffer any grievance on my account. He's been a little happier lately, now that the baby's here. I've been intoduced to many new siblings of mine lately. There are Mia and Alkane, the twins. They are smaller than I, and much louder. I try to avoid them as much as I'm able without seeming rude, and I lock my bedroom door when I leave it. I'm trying very hard to keep the monkey Father gave me, Cato, a secret from them. There is also Nimiane and Breuse, whm I've never met, and I've been told there is another small boy, Christopher, whom has just arrived. Now there is the baby, Marissa. She is another child of Father and Lady Vixen's. Father adores her, for which I am glad. She is so small I am afraid to touch her for fear of breaking her. Sometimes late in the night, I am able to coerce Paul into letting me peek in at her as she sleeps when I am unable to do so. It is a marvel that something like that can come from a woman, and I hope to have a child one day. I do not spend time with the baby during the day, because she is often with Lady Vixen. I am not sure what Lady Vixen thinks of me. Sometimes I cannot help but think she doesn't know me at all. She and Father fight an awful lot, which upsets me, but I don't speak of it.

Father has had many wives. I have been hearing he has had children by each of them, and he has had eight children altogether now, but one of them passed as an infant. That saddens me. But I suppose it is nice to think I have a big family out there. I should like to meet them all, one day. I wonder if Father shall ever marry happily someday. I do hope so. I think that's part of why his heart hurts.

Father told me that he had bought Jane from her uncle for me. I did not think that was quite right, because Jane looked so angry. She explained it to me later when she came to keep me company. She likes to spend time with me, she says, and she would have done so even if no price had been paid. She's never lied to me before, so I believe her. She is great fun. We walk through the gardens, and eat lunch, and she's rather good at performing puppet shows with my dolls. I like her a lot, and she tells me things others won't because they believe me too young to understand. I miss when she used to live here.

Mairin Carazzi

:she writes her name as Jane comes in with the ribbon and a brush to do her hair for the night:

--Journal entry 18 July, Mairin Carazzi

:;She sighs as she curls up in her chair and glances about the 'dome quietly begining to write:: I know it's awfully quick, but I am thinking of giving up on Alex. He has not showed up, nor has he answered my scroll I sent a few days ago.

::She sighs and closes her eyes::

My heart was aching so much last night, I thought I would cry in front of everyone... I want to see him and can't. I love him, but I can not go through this again. No...not again. I need someone who will be there for me...someone who will console me if I am feeling down, be happy with me. Ben asked me, not too long ago if there was anything wrong. I told him no, as I usually do. Though I need advice of what I should do. Perhaps I should have told him...

:;She sighs once more and pushes a few stray locks of hair out of her face::

I wish I knew what to do...Who I could talk to....something...

::She shakes her head and sighs again::

Ah I am rambling again...Think it's time I ended this entry.

--Journal entry 18 July, Lina Metallium

I am such a fool, so absorbed..so pompous, That Lina has forgotten me...I feel such heartache right now...Perhaps I will return. But right now....My life is nothing...I will just coast until the fates deem to see me in the light again. Oh, I must sound mad...Back to my musings...no need to write them down.

--Journal entry 18 July, Alex Windale

I saw a man almost killed tonight, I rather enjoyed it. Very comical. This new life of mine, seems almost blessed. Nestasia is very kind to me, she only wishes to please me it seems at times. Though I doubt i love her. I doubt I can love anyone. Care for perhaps...I do care for Lina...Though I hate to admit it. She can be so very annoying with her constant sweetness. Though I will have to send her something...Console her, of that doctor. Perhaps ... I am more obsessed with finding answers...my niche in the isle.

I have been thinking of opening a mens clothing store...Though I'm not sure. Busines seems to be a forte of mine. Well, i was arrested this eve. Easy enough to buy out of. Raven, called me a philosopher, a speaker of truthes. That was rich. Anyway, Nestaisa needs some attention, I'd best oblige. Good night.

--Journal entry 18 July, Claude Torrent

:sits quietly after healing the worst injury on Sethin after he was injured in a spar with Claude she takes out her diary and and begins to write:

I awoke this morning to find the house empty and no word from my master all day I am afraid he has set sail at last to find Lady Mags.

I pray to the good spirits they all return soon and all will be well. I am tending the shop and the house keeping all in order as my master wishes. I fear that the one named Nemesio will be trouble while my master is away .... He makes me so nervous with his questions about my guards and the way he tries to be so charming.

I have not seen Fierjen in so long I know not if he has abandoned the isle and returned to the mainland I suppose he has grown tired of no excitement and having to ask my master to see me and all .... I am not surprised there is not many men who would seek to court a slave that is owned by another ..

:sighs softly:

Claude seems so strange of late he said a few things in the dome that took me quit by surprise ... I was trying to help Sethin and he said things like the winner should be getting the woman not the loser..

Well I guess I am nearly on my own till my Master returns but I will do all I can to make sure i cause no reason for him to be angry when he returns..

--Journal entry 18 July, Jasmin Rose

:;She yawns softly, just waking up, and pulls out her journal opening it to a balnk page. She writes slowly and carefully as she wakes up fully::

Ah yester day was slightly interesting. I spoke to Alex, though nothing I had to say was nice, nor was it easy. But like I said before, I refuse to play any waiting games. Let me see, I noticed something yesterday. I do have friends that care for my welfare. As I realised that, I apologied to Ben for not talking with him when he asked about something wrong. That was also hard for me to do. Yes I may seem sweet and kind, but I have alot of pride, I like to seem strong when I'm not. Also, as people may start to see, don't make me angry. I mean it's hard to anger me, but when people do, I usually say some awful things. I seem not myself, though does anyone?

Ah enough of that. This seems one of my sorter entries, but that can be a good thing.

--Journal entry 19 July, Lina_Metallium

::She looks about the empty and unusually quiet Pleasuredome, and takes out her journal. She sighs as she looks for the next blank page, noticing it almost full. She goes to writing as she makes a mental note to buy a new journal::

Well...let's see...Hmm...a few things have happened in the last few days. As usual, it may seem kind of mixed up as I try to sort out my thoughts.

Well I did something I hoped never to have to do. I told Jasmin she cannot go for walks alone atleast until Dan gets back and I inform him of the situation that occured when she last went for a walk. I really hated to do that. I feel she should have some private time, and be able to take a walk when she can....

Ah well seems that Claude fellow put me in my place the other night. Gah I need to learn when not to speak all over again... Ah well, he apologised at least, for hi rudeness, which I was surprised to hear. Never thought anything like that would happen.

Hmm...well I have forgotten a few things, and not wishing to bring them up, I will leave it at that.

Oh! Alianna and Ben sent me a bouquet of lilacs as a thankyou for the wedding gift. How sweet of them! I must thank them as soon as I can. Well, that's all for now.

::She looks up hearing shouting and slips her journal away queitly::

--Journal entry 22 July, Lina Metallium