::looks up at the Sky as he walks home without limping for the first time in centuries, taking out a bit of parchment he writes his thoughts::

well, this has been a day that i have dreamed about for centuries now...alas I don't think a night's gone by since the accident that i didn't dream that this would come to pass. Why Quiet Lady? Why wish THIS for me? ::Looks at his hands in amazement like a child:: you've done so much for me and yet I so little for you.....I am forever in your debt for all you've done quiet lady.....you helped me with My wish...perhaps I can help you with yours

::Sighs still not completely convinced he isn't dreaming or dead::

It's been so long since I've taken to writing...not since i kept a captain's journal when I was a knight

:: lays the paper out to dry and goes to sleep, the first time in 1300 years he will sleep without pain::

--Journal entry 22 August, Ardwin

Almost....I almost went to her, But I didn't. I saw no point in it really.
Tiger, convinced the lass to go home. I only kept in the backstage. But she seem's happier, Alianna. I'll be glad to see her when I return. But the tides are against me, I may not even make it back till the begining of the next month. Alas, it matters not, What do I have to return to? A ex-fiance? A
troubled set of friendships, Old aquaintences that no longer no me, or this
Alianna. Such a sweet woman, but I know not if I pity her, or simply infatuated as it seems I was with Lina. I have not even thought of her since. Damn, why try to think.
Perhaps, I will find Alianna, and some how speak to the lass. But about what? What could I say?
Sorry your husband is a jackarse, and I've had a "crush " on you since my arrival?
Not to mention all these...all these old infatuations, that my relationship with Rowsy, was supposed to crush?
I should of left this isle...But Its my home, and better yet...That would only mean, Rowsy with her irational judgement would win..
Well, maybe not irational...Alright I'm blathering enough.

Bah!

--Journal entry 22 August, Claude Torrent

*Ara comes in for the evening, smelling of the sea and of smoke, her thoughts quick and unorganized so she might not forget all that occured, her thoughts whirring and sparkling, a pleasant light in her eyes..*

This night something clicked For a great many people I belive.

M'lady Jane (I grow fond of her for some reason, as perhaps a sister might) asked i aid in lighting the fire, which I did. When one has flame by the ocean it ignites the most powerful magick, has the hardest pull on the heart.

I nearly thought of...Him, nearly cried.

Nearly.

Earth, Water, Flame, Wind, Spirit..

All were present.

And a merrier night I ne'er spent among new friends, telling tales in the firelight.

I saw lords Benjamin and Sethin again, as well as that Newly Mended fellow Ardwin, I do think I'm a bit overbearing he sought refuge after my tongue loosened...

I was among company of the saddest lady Lina- and a sad story she told! of a woman who wasted away via unrequited love! I think there be more story behind that then just myth or common tongue...She looks dreadful as of late. And there was a new Dark lady whose name I did not catch, and Vixen momentarily. How fond I am of Vixen too, from those days of Old, such a strong and beautiful woman, I oft' admire everything about her- I suppose that is how it is among most women here, she seems nearly Queen.

Benjamin seems a good man, strong and full of heart, wise and quiet, though something very strong weighs over his heart, he's built up a wall but he wouldn't let you know that! And Lina poor Lina...you should see the way she looks at him, it rather makes one wonder what goes on, what *went* one with them...and the Mended fellow seems ecstatic to have himself back to new,- though I suppose that is more literal than I imagined, her confessed that the wish that healed him gave him back his youthful self. Would you believe 15 centuries? Goddess No!

I'm to retire, such a great weight of happenings and how to incorporate it into song, oh so goes the profession of these 'bards' I shouldn't wonder if anything will ever come of it.

I do hope that the subject of Him does not further come up, it pains me and makes me feel horribly wretche and foolish and much much too talkative, though the latter no fault of His..

The list and then sleep, pleasant eve and starry skies..

Three Good Things of the Day
1. I heard a new Tale
2. Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Spirit
3. I saw finer colors around all I met

Three Bad Things
1. Him
2. I was in the company of a tortured soul, her heart does break before these sympathetic eyes, if only she knew she had friends who cared so much..
3. I soiled my chenille wrapper! And all for the sake of killing a flame? A daft girl! Daft Daft DAFT indeed

--Journal entry 22 August, Arachne

::::She stands at the top of the waterfall, legs astride, toes unintentionally gripping the pebbles and silt beneath and between them as the rapid waters roil around her ankles, hurling large droplets to splash at her calves and the backs of her knees. Her arms extend to the heavens beseechingly, face lifted to the stars as the light of the moon silhouettes her form in an ethereal halo.

"TAKE ME!!!" she implores, the cry unheard even by herself over the rush of the fast water.

"Please...take me into your embrace.", the anguished cry reduced to a whispered plea, issued to whom or what not even known by her.

She lowers her gaze to look down the falling waters, then, in one quick and graceful movement, brings her arms together over her head and pushes off. Down...down...down she plummets, her descent lasting mere seconds yet, as if suspended in time, seeming like hours, plunging headfirst into the deep pool below, then diving deeper, deeper into the watery abyss. She touches at the bottom quickly, then swiftly turns and pushes up, this time for an ascent, and swims up...up...up to finally emerge and shoot up out of the water, gulping to fill her lungs as they scream for the sweet oxygen of the night, then dropping back down to relax, her heavy breathing now drowning out in her ears the sound of the thundering water above. She floats there for a long moment, the water enveloping her body, the stillness of the night surrounding her head as she moves her hands and kicks her feet slightly to remain upright, her breath coming in ragged gasps, then gradually slowing to normal contemporaneously with the beat of her heart.

::::She swims in the direction of the rock where her clothes lie and, reaching the shore, glances around quickly as if she would be able to see anyone hiding in the darkness, before pulling herself up and snatching up her towel, wrapping it around herself. She wrings the water from her braid, then shakes the water drops from her hands before setting down on the rock, pulling her journal into her lap. She shifts a bit to catch the lunar glow on the page, and writes::::

I missed him. Lord of Masks. My chance to see him, speak to him....question him...slipped through my fingers. Gah!

::::She stops for a moment, silently admonishing herself, then takes a deep breath and continues::::

I was in that strange space between a deep sleep and semi-consciousness when genuine sounds mingle with those of your dreams, causing a decided confusion. I remember fluttering my eyes open, head pounding from the brandy-induced slumber I had inflicted upon myself, and sat up to listen. I tried to discern whether, in fact, it was an actual knocking at my door or merely part of a dream I'd already forgotten. I glanced quickly to the almost-empty bottle on the nightstand, a mere splash of the amber liquid remaining at the bottom of the brandy snifter beside it, and groaned. The throbbing at my forehead intensified as I looked to the window. Though the curtain was still drawn, the light of day invaded despite, serving only to stab at my eyes ruthlessly.

There! A knock!

I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding and rolled from the bed, the thin white cotton of my nightgown clinging to me, inexplicably soaked. My head started to spin as I tried to catch myself from falling, feeling disoriented as I struggled to get my bearings. I landed softly on my knees, then pulled myself up to the edge of the bed and perked my ear to listen. Nothing. I wondered if it had, in fact, been my imagination or whether there really was someone at the door. With some effort, I pushed up from the bed and stumbled to the stairs, descending slowly in fear I would take a tumble, then walked to the window, peering out to see who was at the door. No one. I moved to the door and swung it open expectantly. No one. Another scroll. I took it up and stepped out, looking around quickly through blurry eyes. Nothing. I had missed him. Damn!

I turned and closed the door behind me, inspecting this newest letter, plucking the white rose from its end and untying the ribbon, then unfurling it to read as I dropped down into a chair.

"Nae, m'lord. Our song will not begin this day. For I have missed the opportunity to let that happen."

I leaned forward with a heavy sigh, bringing a hand to rub at my suffering head, then looked at the clock. Half past two! In the afternoon! I could scarcely believe it, though somehow believing it fully.

::::She stops and glances around with a disappointed frown, then closes her eyes and sighs quietly::::

No wonder I couldn't sleep tonight, having slept the day away. So here I sit...it must be past midnight by now...the tranquility of this beautiful night...a night that might have been even more beautiful...engulfing me.

The only thing that will embrace me this night.

How long had you been tapping at my door, m'lord? How long before I realized, in my state of semi-delirium, that you were even there? Too late. Too late.

::::She stops and looks to the pristine water of the pool as she waits for the ink to dry, the rushing of the waters above seemingly silenced now, then stands and gathers her things, pulling on her slippers and tossing her cloak over her shoulders before picking up her broadsword and turning for home::::

--Journal entry 23 August, Rowsy

*She sighs as she closes the door behind her, knowing Ardwin is on the other side. She smiles and walks to her desk opening her journal to a new page* Oh, what a night I've had...first a very close friend of mine was murdered. I can't described how much it hurts to know that he was with me one minute then gone the next. That murdering wench will pay for this. But not all of my night was terrible...Ardwin has made it much better. He made sure Sethin's body was taken care of. I worry about Saria witnessing such a horrible act. I hope she will be okay, but to make my night better, Ardwin has filled my heart with joy where there was pain. Though I will always miss Sethin, I will always remeber that it could have been Ardwin had he been there....And I don't know what I would do without him...especially now.

*She sighs and thinks for awhile*

Could it be that I've fallen in love with him? Oh, I'm so confused but all I know is that I care for him...perhaps this is what love is? Not lust or infatuation but true love? This has been a night of sorrow and pain as well as joy and happiness...

*She finishes then climbs into bed.* "Maybe..." *She smiles then closes her eyes hoping to dream*

--Journal entry, 23 August, Nestasia

~wakes up startled, instinctively reaching over for Ben. another bad dream coming over her again. realizing Ben is not there, she lays perfectly still, unsure at first where she is. then covers her eyes with her hands letting out a sigh, realizing she is at the 'dome, laying on the sofa. rising slightly, she glances around, trying to see if there is anyone around. the 'dome is empty, shy of Donk's snoring, there is no other sound. pushing the cover back and stands, she folds up the blankets putting them away. grabbing her bag, she moves to the nearest table and sits, pulling out her writing materials and begins to write~

Dear Journal,

The past couple of days since my return, things have been .... going. But I am sure once things start to settle down for me, everyg will be alright. For the most part I am glad to be back. I missed all my friends. Although I am worried about my best friend. Tiger seems to be sick. She did not look well at all the other day, when I seen her last. I am worried about her. She is such a wonderful soul. And I am so glad she is my friend. She has helped me through alot. I just hopes she knows, I am always here for her as well. Lina has been very kind to me. I am very thankful she stayed at the 'dome the other night, till I went to sleep. Just knowing there was someone there, helped me alot. And Jane's words to me the other day, still haunt me. She was very wise and true to what she said.
And I am very thankful for her friendship and honesty.

~redips her quill~

I did see Ben briefly the other day. He looked wonderful. Alterio's wish was very ... I am very proud of my brother for making such an unselfish wish. I have not seen my brother since my return. Not that I am avoiding him, it is just that our paths are not crossing for some reason or another. I am glad in some ways, I am sure he is disappointed in me. The one person I have not saw since being back, is Claude. I wonder how he is doing? I hope everything is alright. He seems to put up this wall whenever people are near him. I think maybe he is worried he may get hurt. I feel bad for him. I am not sure what type of hurt was caused to him, in order for him to put up his walls.

No one deserves that. But I do hope everything will work out well for him in the end. He does seem to be a gentle soul away from the wall.

~looks around, her stomach growling~

Well I should go and try to eat something. Start my day. I need to get to the bakery. I know a new shipment of clothing will be coming in soon. And I need to get them ready for the customers.

~lays her quill down and rises, heading for the kitchen. allowing the ink to dry, as she fixes something to eat~

--Journal entry 23 August, Alianna Carazzi