::::sits at the small desk in her bedroom, quill and ink at hand, as well as her old worn journal. A goblet of rye at hand, to quell her aching head as she leans to the journal to write:::

Today was going so well. Everything started off wonderfully. No arguments, no negativity at all. I went to the dome a while, while Uncle Alterio was out making his daily visits...I talked to Janey, Calhin, and...I believe Vixen was there for a bit. Everyone left me...the only other person there, that I can recall was Mumphra. The next thing I know...Im waking up upon the roof of the dome, near a hole, with a gash in my forehead, and feeling like hell. I will be so glad when the pain stops throbbing behind my eyes.

:::she hears one of the children stirring, and rises, seeing Ali come down the hall, she nods to her and smiles, mouthing..."Go back to bed, hon, Ive got it."...Ali nods groggily, and returns to her suite, as she herself goes to look in upon Mairin and Felina, Mia, and Thirlia. Returning, from the children, making sure they were all tucked in safely and warmly, she picks up her quill and sets to write again:::

There was a sharken at the dome tonight. I dont know why they have returned. Not everyone knows about it, its safer this way, I suppose, no one will panic. But, Mia does love to try and slip out on ocassion, so, we'll have to keep a close eye on her at night.

I know I wont have to worry about Mairin or Felina. And, I shouldnt have to worry about Lia. The three of them remain in their rooms at night. That is, at least, more comforting. So, I shall have to continue checking in on Mia throughout the night when I wake. I dont mind, it ensures her safety.

:::thinks back to the rest of the evening at the dome:::

Uncle Alterio is most definitely back to his old self. Flirting and carousing with all the ladies, eligible or not. He lit up brighter than a fireworks display when Mairin and Paul came into the dome. He was so happy to have her near. I love seeing them together. She is such a well-mannered child, and so even tempered. He absolutely adores her, and I can see why.

:::rubs the gash upon her forehead, cringing a bit:::

I think I shall go to bed now, see if this pounding in my head will go away.

~Lyrias~

::::she leaves the journal open to air dry, then crawls into her own bed, soon after, hearing the patter of little feet upon her floor as Lia comes in and crawls into bed with her. Gently, she pulls Lia close, covering her with the blankets as the two drift off to sleep::::

--Journal Entry, 16 October, Lyrias Dreams

I helped the construction workers that are building my house today. They sure do earn their pay...I guess I'm just not strong enough to do what they do...I suppose that's why I'm paying them, right?

I got a letter from my friend Corgan Offdemar today! He said he was thinking of coming over to this very isle. I know he would love it...I wonder how I caould get in touch with him so I could tell him how beautiful it is...

A strange, strange night at the Dome tonight. We were invaded by an ogre whore who happened to take particular interest to a certain elf...my was I scared. I actually leaped into Vixen's lap! After that horrifying episode, though, Vixen and I had a ball being silly last night. For some reason the old me popped out last night...but minus the arsehole part of it. It seems people can truly change...I hope...

--Journal Entry, 17 October, Valyndor Lyndrae

*she stirs quietly in the early morning, and slips out of bed, stealing a fond glance at the sleeping Calhin as she moves to her desk*

Well, it's three days I've been married now.. I don't know why marriages seem to have such trouble on this island, since nothing about us has changed, really. Except for the fact that I now officially own Cal, of course.. *she grins slyly to herself* But everything seems to be working out well, so far.. 'cept for those damned rabbits. I am not going to have multiple children at once.. I'm going to try to catch the little imps today, Cal's been wanting a good rabbit stew anyway.

I'll have to think about what I want to offer when the shop starts up.. perhaps some lock-picking tools and a few articles of clothing suited to my profession would be in order. I'll work that out later today..

--Journal Entry, 17 October, Casidhe

** Take his old oiled leather journal out to the front porch, taking a seat on a rocking chair there and flips it open, using a charcoal pencil to add this entry **

Well, Casi is out and about huntin rabbits. I don't know why a short dumpy man with trouble speaking comes to mind when I think of hunting rabbits but it does. However, this child business is starting to concern me, I am not sure I would make a great father or not. Ah well, will have time to think about that, unless this honeymoon proves to produce one. *pauses a moment to think that over.* On to other issues.

The dome is starting to concern me with the lack of attentiveness, it seems they wish bards to be around, seen but not heard for unless a bard sings or tells a bawdy tale, it's not worth anyones time. Having travelled so far, it seems that this is one of the more uncultured areas I have happened across. No matter, perhaps they will be more receptive in time. I can only try, and hope the few that already notice will get others to join in.

On another thought, I concure with Casi on the thought of why marriages around here seem to have so much trouble.

Always in turmoil, and never happy as it should be when you bind two hearts together. As she put, nothing has changed between us other than adding my surname to Casi's and she now.."owns" me as she put it yestereve. Talking things out before it becomes a problem seems to solve our ills and in turn makes our bond stronger. I wish others could do such, perhaps there would be less grief over things then. We may never know.

Another issue...*scratching his chin at an annoying itch a moment * These Pirates that they are warning us about. It seems that is not full truth. Being one myself, though not as active as Peggy Williamson, and One-Nut Shadur...

*pauses to remember how the poor mate got that nick....bad harpoon accident* It doesnt make since, I figured I would have heard of such excursions. Anyways, there are other things within the deep that could cause much trouble and perhaps we all best be on guard from it. I need to remember to check over the 'Rover, for its battle worthiness incase it is in need. In fact...should close this rambling passage to do such now.

* shuts his book, having it been in pencil and stashes it in his oversized pouch to go check on the Flynn's Rover..*

--Journal Entry, 17 October, Calhin

She stands before the silvered glass gazing upon her countenance. The beauty that she sees belies her beliefs. A whisper of softness touches her lips. A slight smile conspiring with blue-eyed mischief inspires her imagination. Her image, shimmering in the reflective light of her soul, and with a shrug, a child is born anew. She waits, watching the spirits of youth play in the sunlit highlights of her hair. The velvet ribbon of life entwined between her fingers plays out its predestined dance of life. Her wounded essence, replaying past injuries of the heart, cries out for healing. Her heart, once closed, yearns to open. To be born anew.

She is the Goddess of my heart, Rowsy.

Her soul dances freely in the ether as she encounters those similar to herself. She whirls within the vortex of the healing light. Her aura inspiring awe in those that she touches. Vermilion raiment swirling round as her dance continues. And yet she stands before her reflection, seeing not her light, feeling more her misgivings. Her beauty is worn openly for the world to see, yet remains cloistered in the safety of her cloaked consciousness awaiting the supple spirit of release.

Where once she walked with quiet caution she treads now with no trepidation, conquering conscious contradictions. A renaissance of eternal yearnings emerges, longings needing to be free to soar on the soft wings of otherworldly life. To grow from infancy. To reach heavenward as she strives to be.

See her spirit there, ashimmer. Yes, see her as she is. As she was and always will be. Know the Goddess within, for she is you my dear Rowsy. And your beauty was always and always will be.

The woman stands before the mirror seeing herself as never before. Iridescent bolts of her beauty aflame in her eyes. She sees her passion and recognizes her challenge reflected in her blue-eyed melange of melodic spirituality. She nods to herself, knowingly as her now wise smile crosses her countenance. Her beauty, self-evident in every reflected point of light.

She pirouettes before the mirror with joyous abandon certain of the knowledge of her wonder and confident in the power of her spirit... Absolute in the beauty that she sees before her. She whispers her words of love to the air itself, assured by the strength of her spirit and soul.

She affirms her life's work, her heart's work, her creativity, even as she yearns for more. Her spirit, ever unsatiated in its need for exploration, for discovery of fulfillment yet hidden uncovers her truth. Yet she remains unseeing. Her magical beauty straining to be recognized as more than a reflection.

Her spirit plays the strings of my soul. Her melody echoing in my being. Her essence not merely a reflection for she is more than just the woman in her mirror... She is the reflection of my love... Rowsy.

--Journal Entry, 18 October, Lord of Masks

** Kicks back in his rocking chair outside and takes a drink of his morning tea before picking up his journal and charcoal pencil. Tired of inkstained hands all the time, he switched to the pencil several years ago and has found a happy substitute for ink and quill. **

Well, we are about to meet up with the crew of the 'Rover, and we are to set out to prove that there are more than the usual amount of sharks. In fact I plan to bring one back as proof. They do not school like these do and its very disturbing, the throngs I saw yesterday. And the way they persued the 'Rover, was something to be concerned about as well. Thankfully we had full sail and pulled away. Today, we are heading out in-arms to find out what might be going on.

Other notes, why is it people always seem to forget there is more to my skills than just singing some stupid bawdy tune for others enjoyments. It is quite insulting when they just pass information over without thinking you have some idea of it. Possibly better than they do. Ah well, lack of conscious thought I will blame that on.

* pauses to look out over the ocean from his front porch and taking a drink of his tea... contemplating *

Tika has been out of sorts as of late, being forgetful and overly quiet. Even more so than normal. Strange I know. Wonder what is going on with that girl. If I try to ask, she just pushes it off on being tired, or busy, or some other excuse she can pull out o her arse. Not quite sure though... Mayhap she will come out of that shell finally and join the living.

My dear Casi is exhausting as ever, and I am loving every minute of it. It is so strange how I can not be more than 10 ft away from her with out going crazy. Ah well, I guess this might be normal, perhaps not. But I'm crazy to begin with so..that could be part of it. Though I can say never been happier.

* finishes up and closes his journal.... getting ready and hearing Casi callin for him to join her on the way to the Rover..*

--Journal Entry, 18 October, Calhin

::::sits outside in the noonday sunshine, ink and quill, and old tattered journal at hand, as she looks out over the ocean, and begins to write::::

Tis somethin' tha' the Laddie wishes tae ask, I knae it. I can see it in 'is face when 'e talks tae me. I s'pose tha if'n 'e really wants tae knae, 'e will ask me soon enough.

:::Doesnt hear Bailey slipping up behind her, and at the touch of his hand upon her shoulder, nearly jumps clean out of her skin and topples the table with her. She turns, looking to Bailey and signs to him frantically as well as speaks, as he can read lips..."Donna e'er do tha again! Make some noise, Bailey! Whistle..I knae ye can. Jus' donna e'er scare me like tha again!"...trying to calm the beating of her heart, she turns once again to the journal:::: I am so glad fer Calhin and Casi. They seem tae be 'appy. I knew tha they would be. They both love each ot'er. Both o'them think me tae quiet, or 'idin in some shell. I am nae 'idin...I just donna come out as oft'n as they do. Im sure tha Laddie is 'avin the 'ardest time with it...as 'e seems tae 'ave this grand idea tha M'Lord Calkane is interested in me. The Lad tis always tryin tae marry me off. I thought 'e 'ad learned 'is lesson from the last time 'e tried. I donna think I let 'im live tha one down for months.

:::thinks about the way she feels all the time, and leaning over the page, begins to write::::

I jus feel tired all the time. As though the dark cloud tha 'aunted me all the way 'ere 'as returned fer some reason. O'course, I willna tell Laddie, or Casi, about it. I donna wan tae 'ear 'im tell me tae chin up and move on with me life. I dunno...Im jus nae feelin quite m'self lately. I knae tha Calhin and Bailey both wan me tae be the proper, 'appy and cheerful woman tha I always was....but, tha was a long time ago. People change o'er the course o'the years. Im still 'appy...Im still cheerful...and I shall always be proper. Per'aps tis just a mood tha 'as settl'd o'er me. I am sure tha it will go away soon.

****Tika****

::::she signs the entry, leaving the pages open for the sun and the wind to dry, as she stands from the table, barely able to see the Flynn's 'Rover' leaving its dock. Walking down to the water with Bailey, she crosses her arms over her chest, watching silently.::::

--Journal Entry, 18 October, Tika Flynn