:::seats herself in the sitting area of her wing of the Manor, having prepared Mia's trunk, and herself for the trip to the mainland, and takes quill to parchment::::

Today has been a long day at the dome. So much has happened. The sharken have returned. I know this for fact. Though, still, I dont dare tell anyone. I dont want to incite a panic amongst all the others, and especially not the new comers. None the less, it seems eveyone is remaining in good enough spirits, however, a bit cautious. There have been a few new faces amongst the regulars at the dome..such as Lady Charquin. She seems a nice enough person. Perhaps I will endeavor to talk to her a bit more. And, it seems, she has an ever present companion in the evenings...a young lady by the name of Rosalyn. She too, seems pleasant enough.

Ben is leaving for the mainland tomorrow, and though I cannot say that I am happy to see him go, I am glad that he will be out of danger, at least for a while. From a few rumors Ive heard...it seems my brother may be in danger of falling for another woman. I suppose I shall have to keep a closer eye on him as well. Though, I know he is quite able to take care of himself, I do still worry.

:::thinks about her Uncle and the conversation inside his office::

Uncle Alterio seems terribly worried about the sharken. He called Vixen and her new beau into his office tonight, and told Val the truth about what is going on, under the strictest confidence, no less. I had thought, after seeing him visibly age, upon viewing of the Sharken that Calhin had brough in, I would get him a glass of rye. I took it to him, and he caught my hand, and didnt let go until he was ready to leave. I know he is worried. He has instructed me to go nowhere alone, and to keep at least three guards with me at all times, even in the Manor. So, insufferably, there is a man I hardly know, sitting beside the door of this very room. Sometimes I wish he wouldnt worry so, but, I know this is an impossibility for him. He has been very good to me lately, and I would do nothing to truly upset him purposely. I have my old Uncle back, and I do not wish to lose him again.

However, he states that he will not fight the sharken this time. He says he is too old. Though, even I know this bit untrue, I realize he says so because of the children. I cannot say that I blame him. He wont let me go out and fight the sharken like I did last time. He says I am to "protect" myself, and not "Go out and Fight". He really does worry too much.

::thinks about Taelie::

I have seen hide nor hair of Taelie at all, recently, nor even recieved a scroll. I do hope he has made it to the mainland safely, and not become one of the Sharken's meals. I love him so much, and, I miss him terribly, almost unbearably, when he is gone. I know he will return to me when he can, and I still wait patiently for him to do so.

:::glances around, realizing she has had one too many ryes, and it is very late now::::

I believe I will go and check in on all of the children, make sure they are properly tucked in, and then retire for the night. Mayhaps tomorrow will shed some much needed light on this entire situation. I will just have to wait and see.

~Lyrias~

:::sprinkles a bit of fine sand upon the page to dry the ink, stands, and walks to each of the children's rooms to check on them, returning to her own wing, she nods to the guard posted outside her room, and steps inside, shrugging out of her daily wear into a nightdress, and climbs into her safe, warm, bed to sleep::::

--Journal entry 19 October, Lyrias Dreams

"sits down at the table with a cup of coffee and pulls the journal to her, after she checked in on Alkane and peeked in on Val making sure they were ok"

Well it looks like the sharken are back. Did the Typhoon drive them back? We arent sure. I just know I dont want anyone i love to be food for the shaken. "shivers pulling her robe closer around her" I remember so many times before of being bitten, seeing others bit. Alterio and Black growing fins after beeing bitten. Ali and I growing tails, turning into mers. Watching as he was dragged under the water one time. Gods I was so scared. I wanted to go after him but everyone yelling at me to get back. Lyrias jumped in after him. I was in shock, scared they werent coming back, they were under for so long. Finally, after what seemed forever they emerged, Alterio carrying Lyrias when he could barely stand up himself. Both, hurt and bleeding badly.

Alterio says he doesnt want to fight them and i dont blame him. I definitely will not unless I have to. I wasnt one to run before when a sharken came in dome. Even bringing Alterio's anger down on me when I stayed and fought them. But I think im a bit older and wiser now. Ive grown up a little in the last few weeks. Im not so anxious to stand face to face with danger...especially sharken. But I will fight to help the ones i love...the children, Val, Lyrias and even Alterio and a few others. Most on the island I will not put my life in danger for any more.

Val... well I asked him to move into my home for a while. He had his home built close to the water. Its not safe for him to stay there. And I feel safer with him in the house also. We stopped on the way home last eve, and brought some things from his home that he would be needing.

I cant believe Calhin thinks im sleeping with Val. I had a room made up for him down the hall from mine. I care a lot for him but im not ready to jump into bed with him. IF this is going anywhere I want it based on more than just sex.

After all if he wants -just- sex, there are whores on the dock for that and well a few in the dome. I think he really cares about me though. And Ive told him he is going to have to wait. I wont be pushed into sleeping with him and he hasnt pushed. Thats a plus for him. Or i really am insane? Bah who knows for sure...

"she smiles as she hears movement upstairs and gets up to pour a cup of coffee for him as he enters the kitchen, she closes the journal and shoves it aside"

--Journal entry 19 October, Vixen Blade

::He stands outside the Pleasuredome at the docks while the workers load his and Mia's things on board, watching and waiting for the ready call so they can get on their way. He eases himself down on a bench and removes his journal for a quick entry before he leaves.::

Well, it looks as if I'm taking on more than I thought this morning...and it's too early, in my opinion.

Last night, I recieved a scroll from Alterio asking me to take Mia to the mainland when I went this weekend, and I accepted, of course. Maybe Mia and I will become closer...I do love the little scamp. Ah, well, I'll be sad to see her go.

::He glances up as they load more, now almost finished.::

We're going to have to be leaving soon. I do hate to leave the island now...In time of crisis. I hate to leave when we're all on guard, when I can't protect any of my friends...but I'll be back soon enough.

I just hope they're all here to greet me.

::He puts away the journal, probably smearing ink, but it's the least on his mind as he gathers Mia up into his arms and climbs aboard, taking a last, long look together at the Pleasuredome, the Bayside Bazaar, and all the houses going up along the coast while the boat slowly drifts out from port.::

--Journal entry 19 October, Benjamin Calkane

* Reclines on his couch, put on "bedrest" by Casi after yesterdays adventure, taking a sip of his tea before opening his journal and starting to write with his charcoal pencil *

Bloody hell, First Landar gets mauled, and now Stefan is missing. He was one of the crew that got bitten. I can only hope he is just drunk in some brothel right now and noone knows which one, rather than the alternative. And worst off I am not even allowed to go to my blasted ship. Casi is keepin an eye on me so I don't go running off on a fishy hunt. Blasted things, Sharken eh? Well, hopefully Ben will be able to devise and cast that net spell I had suggested, then its a matter of trollin, If... they are hurt by magic still like he says. I guess time will tell..

*looks to the side of the couch and eyes the rabbit, slowly reaching over and getting his dagger, he tosses it at the blasted thing. "Bah! I'll get ye eventually ye bloody thang..." then resumes his writing. *

Stupid rabbits, they keep following poor Casi around, and it really makes me wonder some times. I guess time will tell. Anyways, Yestereve Tika seemed to be in a bit better spirits..Mayhap it was that conversation I left her and Ben too. Very interesting hmmm..

I do owe Jasmin for healing my arm, she did in moments what would have taken several weeks to heal. Thankfully. And as Casi thought, she can be rough again. I think I will let that be for now though *grins to himself as he writes * And would have been unable to perform any songs requiring an instrument for a while if she didn't heal me. Blasted thing was stinging like no tomorrow. I know my poor lip is in shreds from me biting on it.

*Glances up and gets his journal tossed away by Casi as she takes his complete attention. *

--Journal entry 19 October, Calhin

*begins to write quickly–in Erse. Realising this, he crosses out his few lines, and starts over, muttering, "Must practice m'Anglish.."*

E'er since I came to this isle, I've felt the growing need to set thought quill to paper and put my thoughts down. And now, of course, I find my quill willn't keep up with my mind. *sighs, breathing in deeply and holding it in a moment before releasing it in another, drawn out sigh*

Gods, I've found my Ara, my heart, my Goddess again..ne'er has another soul stirred such in me...ne'er, not in my two millenia and some have I e'er loved like this. Have I e'er even loved till she chose me? *shakes his head* It matters not, not now...I know I've found my other half now....and I'd not have any other. *he smiles fondly, murmuring, "One, a croí,"*

Some say this isle be paradise...at times, I should beg to differ. Gossip. Backstabbing. Violence. 'Tis not my idea of paradise. But then....I've got m'heart here, and friends....Calhin, a fellow bard! So long since last I met a bard beyond m'love, Ara, or myself. And the Lady Vixen...Ara's friend, whom I would consider mine own. These things..they make up for it all.

Well...there are those whispers I've been hearing of 'Sharken'. *The Elf surpresses an involuntary shudder*

Calhin, he was good t'warn me, he was, and since, I've heard more. And now, I worry. Not so much for my sake, oh no, but for my dear Ara, and my good friends...though I know both Calhin and Vixen can take care of themselves quite well...or, from what I've seen, I've deduced as much. But Ara...I'll be taking Calhin's advice, and not letting her travel alone. And, if we happen across these bluidy buggers, we run....nobody could think worse of me for doing so. None whose opinions I value, at any rate.

Oh, by Brigid! And what a time t'have to set a date for a wedding! Have to prepare the reception, all that such.....Sir Calhin was kind enough to lend me formal attire for the occassion *smiles that quiet smile of his*.

I can hardly contain myself o'er this....But after so long a wait *sighs* a few days....I do love her so...

*goes to dip his quillin the inkwell, and finds it empty. Frowning, he searches for a bit, but turns up nought. Sighing, he puts the quill away, and takes a long look at what he's written. After some time, he puts it away, and lets himself drop into light Elven meditation....resting in gentle memories...thiking of her...a rún..*

--Journal entry 19 October, Sylverleaf

Confusion has invaded my mind once more...not only do I have to compete with my inner struggle to keep my old self put away, but now there is worry of creatures named 'Sharken' invading us. These seemingly half-man half-shark creatures seemingly have invaded before, and supposedly they are doing so once again. They must be ferocious...Alterio refuses to fight them again. It seems he has more to live for now then he did when they first came...luckily, I've heard that they are susceptible to magic, which is what I specialize in. But the Mer they slaughtered deterred my interest in fighting them as well...all this while my relationship with Vixen is blossoming. I am growing increasingly fond of her, and I believe she feels the same way. It's funny...Calhin thought we had already made love...but I favor the fact we haven't yet. She seems to be taking this slow, possibly because of the fast pace of her relationship with Alterio. And I wish to take it slow as well...my past relationships were of the...sensual kind. I wish to build a proper relationship around love, not around physical attraction or physical actions. If I already had made love to her, I'd just be repeating what I did in the old land, and that is what I'm trying to prevent. Hopefully everything continues to go well...and Vixen and I don't encounter any of these Sharken...scratch that, I hope no one encounters these...things. I'm afraid if I see someone attacked by these creatures...that I'd step in. I couldn't bear to see anyone attacked...by anyone, or anything. And I know that will get me in trouble someday...

--Journal entry 19 October, Valyndor Lyndrae

Wow, I was quite shocked last night. Vixen was teasing me about the whore thing again, but then she asked me why I hated them. I said that they have no dignity, no self-respect, and that they are filth. And they are, they are the lowest common denominator. I'd rather take a bath with a Sharken than be within the same building as one of those portraits of disgust. Then she told me something that shocked me...she said she ran, and was a part of, an escort service. She was quick to say she didn't...'do that' with the escortees, but her employees sometimes do. I was disturbed, and quite disappionted for a moment. But then I figured as long as she stayed true, I didn't see the harm.

I could give an imp's arse what her employees do. But what really scared me was a thought that went through my head right before I went to sleep last night...what would I have done if she did...-that- with her customers? Seriously, what would I have done? Luckily, I fell asleep at that point. But now that I'm awake again, and I've thought about it more...I just surely hope she is telling the truth. I believe her, that's without a doubt...but it still dwells on my mind. I hope I can get over this...but at least I didn't let her on that I was still bothered. Ah, well. I suppose every good, beautiful thing must have a blemish...it just makes you appreciate the beauty in that thing more. Hell, like I'm perfect. If she knew what kind of person I used to be...I'm sure she wouldn't be with me this moment...

--Journal entry 20 October, Valyndor Lyndrae