I was sitting listening today
a lot of lewd bits of humor go over m'head methinks.
And I get s'flustered around Alterio
I suppose I thought I'd be flattered
But I find myself upset and frightened that Sylver
might end up mad at all this attention the Sir gives me.
And for what reason?
This plain Bardess, nay a candle held to the beauty of Vixen or Jane,
nay a lass with anything interesting tae say either
and still he watches me
I should say it only makes that hunger within me grow for Sylver..
An'how...
I finally got what everyone's been saying
a language deciphered...
Desire
a flame
a fire
heat personified
smoke and steam
and kisses.
So I should say e'ryone should want we've got.
There's not a doubt in my mind.
He's the one.
I know fool well that suns will rise and fall
and worlds will end
before that thrill of seeing him fades in my breast.
I've never been in love like this..
perhaps never in love really 'tall..
electricity courses through my veins
sure as crimson..
His touch makes me weak
Every lass should know that feeling.
I love him more than life..

*she smirks lightly thinking on other things and, as if in reply to an inner remark speaks gently*

Indeed...

*kissing the locket that hugs her throat she smiles gently*
vi chier ir, a rún..

--Journal Entry, 15 October, Arachne

* pulls out his old oiled leather journal, and picks up his quill. Dipping it in some ink he ponders a moment before writing*

The first full day of married life is past and I seem to be caught in some whirlwind, or a waterspout that has just picked me up and is spinning me 'round until all my senses are blurred. My heart still seems to be pounding itself from my chest as I look over my shoulder to see my beloved Casi sleeping. So peaceful, so beautiful. In all my travels, across the continents more times than I can count, and the journies across the oceans deep, I have never encountered anything as exciting and stunning as my Casi.

*pauses a moment and chuckles to himself before continuing to write*

My Casi, such a strange feeling to me. So many years people have tried to marry me off. Either to be rid of me, or as some sick and twisted game. But I held off and now I was rewarded a hundred fold. The wedding was grand though so small the guests and the reception was ruined by an annoying black wizard who seemed to just breathe sheep dung. Runnin at the mouth and just setting a dour mood. It does amaze me the pleasure some take in making everyone else miserable cause they just need a hug. Or something, perhaps we can find him some sheep to keep him warm at night. Seems to have worked for the McAllisters back home.

*shakes his head before continuing on*

I get off track as I usually do. Anyways, the most disappointing part of the happiest day of my life was the lack of family that showed. I was so looking forward to having my Sister there to share in this day that has eluded, as well as been dodged for many a year, to find she was not there. And the absence of my parents was felt but knowing they are in my thoughts, almost literally most of the time, was a bit more comforting. Ah well, I suppose my life begins a new, with a bride, a grand home, and the "Flynn's Rover." I just hope people will not press too hard on this baby issue. I do not think this bard, shall ever be a good parent, simply for the fact of my ideals and behavior. But that has not stopped some, from having multitudes. Ye gods.

--Journal Entry, 16 October, Calhin

***sighs as she sits down to write ****

Oi...I feel ter'ble tha I missed Laddie's weddin. I didna intend tae. I wanted tae be t'ere more than anything. I just couldna. I knae tha 'e wanted me tae be t'ere. Tis sad tha I 'ad tae miss it. I wasna t'ere fer 'im any ot'er time 'e needed me. I wanted tae be t'ere so badly. I knae tha Bailey didna make it tae the weddin. 'e at least shoulda been t'ere. Twasna right fer 'im tae nae be t'ere.

***decides to write about something else a bit***

I did make it tae the dome earlier taeday. Benjamin was t'ere. Laddie seemed tae 'ave a good ole time 'arassin me while 'e was t'ere. Laddie, I believe, seems tae think Benjamin a good man. Ot'rwise, 'e wouldna given 'im permission tae court me. I donna e'en knae tha Benjamin wants tae do tha.

I also saw the Lord Carazzi upon m'return trip this eve. "e seemed tae be in good spirits. Flirting and talking tae all the women. Tis good tae see 'im back tae 'imself again. I was pleased tae 'ear tha Mairin 'ad also been returned. Ot'r than tha..tisna much goin on in m'world. So, I sup'ose tha Ill quit wasting paper, and close this.

****Tikaris Kyra Flynn****

:::leaves the journal open to dry, as she rises and heads to her own bed:::::

--Journal Entry, 16 October, Tika Flynn

:::sits in her new room at the Carazzi Manor, some of her old furniture brought in, leaving the new furniture at her new home, which she just had built, and hasnt spent a day in:::

Uncle Alterio had me move into the Manor this evening, so I could be closer to the children, and to Lia, without her having to be removed from the Manor. I am thrilled at the idea of being able to spend more time with them. I was a bit surprised, we havent gotten along quite as well as we used to before tonight. Though, he seems to be much like his old self again. Didnt even give me a chance to accept the offer, or decline it, he just had one of his men go and retrieve my belongings, and bring them here. I will admit, this is more space than I have ever had to myself. I think it will be nice living at the Manor.

Ali also moved into the Manor today. So, Ill get to spend more time with her as well. That makes it that much better. I do enjoy her company immensely. She is only a short distance from me in her own suite, so we can spend our nights doing "girl" things.

Its strange having servants come and check in on you. That is something I will have to get accustomed to. They helped me get my belongings in order here tonight. I was thankful for that. I dont know that I could have done it all in one night by myself.

:::hears Lia stirring, and rises to check on her, returning only a few moments later:::

Poor Lia, her nightmares have returned. I wish I knew how to stop them, but, I dont. Now, at least, she can come and crawl into bed beside me whenever she wants, or needs the comfort. I am glad to be able to give her at least that much. She is so adorable when she sleeps, her golden hair splayed out across her pillow. It brings me comfort to be this close to her. Especially now that Taelie has left once again.

:::her mind settles on Taeliesyn, and she begins to write more:::

I could not believe that he has asked me to marry him. Of course, there are very few people who know about it. I havent decided to tell Uncle Alterio yet. Ali knows, I have told her. Casi and Calhin know. But, other than them, I believe that only Mags knows. He doesnt even know that I had a house built for us both, just outside the elven village. I suppose my home will be used once we do marry, and intend to settle down together, finally. I miss him very much. I cant wait to see him again.

:::She smiles, one of the truly genuine smiles that have rarely been seen over the past few months, finally, it seems, at peace with herself and her surroundings:::

Mairin has been returned. Now, I will be able to spend more time getting to know her as well. I believe that I would enjoy that as much as I do being with the other children. Uncle Alterio seems so very happy that she is back. I dont mind helping out with the children. I love them all. Maybe one day, Taelie and I will have our own. But, not for some time.

:::thinks about her Uncle and Vixen, and again, sets quill to paper, after dipping it into the ink:::

It seems that Uncle Alterio and Vixen have finally called an end to their relationship. It seems to me that both are much better off for it. He seems so much happier, and she as well. I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders seeing him happy once again. I think Im going to like being here at the Manor.

~Lyrias~

:::she sprinkles just a bit of sand onto the parchment, carefully avoiding a mess on the floor, closes her journal, looking around herself. Standing, she places her journal onto a bookshelf beside her bed, crawling into it, and pulling the covers around her. Blowing out the candle, she snuggles into the bed with a contented sigh, and drifts off to sleep. A much more peaceful sleep than she has had in many months now::::

--Journal Entry, 16 October, Lyrias Dreams

"as she looks through the paper while she sips her coffee, she bursts out laughing almost choking on the coffee"

Man this is just to funny for words. If -anyone- thinks Im using Val to make Alterio jealous, they are nuts. Im happy for the first time in a long while now. I enjoy his company, he is a gentleman...where is it going from here?

Who knows. Im not anxious to jump into anything serious after just getting out of that hell of a relationship with alterio. But if it happens, I think Val may be the one it would happen with. Im not sure how he feels yet. He seems to enjoy being with -me- though. We had a very nice Picnic last evening. The spot he picked was beautiful,peaceful and quiet. The sunset was beautiful.. i cant remember the last time I even watched the sun go down and really noticed it or gave a damn. He decided to have his home built there and I hear its in progress of being built.

As far as the meeting with some of the help at the shoppe...Well it went the way I figured. "shakes her head not going into any details about it"

A new start, new beginning? I wonder if thats possible. The chapter of Alterio is closed. IF anyone thinks I should be sitting around brooding over him..well those people need to get a life of their own. And whoever these so-called people are that think im using Val to make Alterio jealous.. well all i can say is they are just idiots. They dont know me and i dont want to know them. Im very leery of who i call a friend these days. And very, very careful of what i say. Even a whisper to someone, be it a joke or not gets overheard and repeated. Oh well, you live and learn. hmm enough rambling for now.

--Journal Entry, 16 October, Vixen Blade

::Taking a break for a midday meal, chuckling as he hears scampering footsteps above. Likely Mairin and Mia playing chase through the house, and he doesn't much mind. A bowl of soup, a pitcher of ale and a loaf of crusty bread are brought, and he decides to take this time to write as the soup cools::

This would've been Autumn where I once lived, and the meal I'm about to partake in has those distinct scents. The crackle of dried leaves is brought to mind, acorns dropping from trees and lodging in one's chainmail..the chill one wakens with in the mornings where they wish not to get out of bed for fear of delicate feet touching cold floors...Gods I do not miss that morning shock.

::Chuckles:: Yet the absence of a traditional season, I'm still finding it amazing that our weather is so gentle here. We do have our cooler days, but I prefer the gentle kiss of a warm breeze.

Yet the longing for familiarity must've inspired me to ask Cook for this lunch fare, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it. When's the last time I had an ale? Likely when Torlin was alive and we went skirt-chasing. He's been gone awhile now..and yet I still feel him with me sometimes, telling me to do what I need to do and find the person I once was.

I think I'm doing that, bringing Alianna back home and inviting Lyrias. By finally breaking ties with Vixen. I'm not missing 'everything' familiar..it's finally dawned on me that dealings with her are nothing but a bitter toxin, and I am still far too young and desirable to be chained into a relationship I wish not to partake in. Let her make someone else miserable. She whines and tells falsehoods..not even half-truths, but guess what, Journal? It matters not. She wants to part as "Friends" I'm told..but I cannot befriend someone I cannot respect. I will of course be civil in the presence of my children, but I cannot say I'd shed tears if she were to drown and die.

And quite frankly, I pity the next man who ends up with her. A clinging, needy shrew is not good for any man's ego, regardless of how redeeming it might feel whilst in a bedchamber for a few hours. For one eventually has to rise from the bed, and deal with her vertically. Then the redemption ends up in the chamber pot.

So I move forth, today being the most evidence to date of that. Changing my will in case something happens to me. Overseeing the gaudy portrait that once hung like vandalism in my office, back to the owner. I feel clean now. Truly clean. I know it's having Mairin and my sister and niece around, taking care of those things I haven't quite grasped. Such as nose-wiping. Mia had a horrible nose this morning. Now, I've slain many a dragon and bled damned near to death, but my stomach cannot handle a green nose on a child. Fortunately it was Alianna to the rescue. ::Sips his ale, enjoying the hearty beverage, then continues to write::

I've given up the title of Guildmaster of the Shops. I am thinking of suggesting someone level-headed like Dan to step up. Of course it's more of a title than anything, just another word to clutter up one's name, but he might be good at it. I want more time to devote here. I am doing well financially, the Pleasuredome's receipts have been doubling..That work is enough. I am also awaiting activation if Knight Trione decides she needs my presence at the North End. So I really have no time for the Shops. Only my own, and maybe I'll even sublet that.

::Thinks:: Well, what with stopping at Lord Quajinx for the notary, doing my errands, and now dropping off most of the gifts..I still need to pass by the House of Lyndrae as well as where Neo is.. I have just a few more things to tend to, before I ask if the girls would like to take the children out by the lagoon. Might be good for Thirlia and Mairin, particulary as they both look so pallid. I wonder if Mairin and Thirlia have unlocked the doors by their suites yet..I've left the keys on their dressers and hope they like what they find..

We'll tucker the girls out..and the nights will be mine. For lest anyone forget, I am now a single man. And I wonder if Arachne will figure out it was me who sent her that box...

Torlin, Brother..I am myself again. Your spirit is with me in my new endeavors. I'll get the rest of the poisons from my system and start fresh. Perhaps be a better man than I was..

But first, I have a few more loose ends..such as that note from Mumphra. ::His handwriting changes from the skilled hand to more of a stiff, methodical penmanship:: While I fear little, I do fear him. I fear things are yet unresolved and a battle remains ahead before I can truly stop looking over my shoulder. Before I can sleep at night with peace.

::Now the soup is cold; he smirks and eats it regardless, dipping the bread, then balking as the sun changes position::

I'd best get the rest of the gifts delivered, and take care of a few more things. And..dammit! I missed the appointment at the Pawn Shoppe...well, perhaps they'll reschedule.

::Leaves his empty bowl, mug and used napkin, and with a long-lost and now-returned eagerness in his step, gets out the door to finish his uncompleted chores. He gooses the heavy-bottomed half-human half-mermaid domestic, much to her chagrin, as he runs out, a twinkle in his eyes::

--Journal Entry, 16 October, Alterio A. Carazzi II