::Awaking late, he sends the girls on their way after a leisurely breakfast, back to the docks, then goes to his study and writes a bit before heading to the beach::

Strange, had a houseful of guests and no fornication. Just talking to these girls all night and watching them. They're rather amusing, if you ask me. Each with a story to tell, and I listened to them. None wanted to be responsible if I expired during the act..and to be frank, I wasn't much in the mood. I just wanted to hear what they had to say.

I find myself listening more and speaking less, and what I heard last night from them was stunning. While some are nymphomaniacs and would prostitute for free, it wasn't the case with the octet that came to the Manor last eve. One was once a rich Mainland woman, who fell on hard times and found herself with no marketable skills, just a nice body to fetch some quick gold. Another was cast out on the streets by a tyrant of a father at age eleven, with no formal education, and found herself in this lifestyle.

Another professed illiteracy and while a stunning beauty, found a passion for whiskey and can't commit to a 'real employment', for she knows not what time she'll wake up if she wakes at all.

The girls told me that not all their 'benefactors' are as caring as I..some have been punched, beaten by some of their 'clients.' I profess to smacking one, not one of the gathering at the house, when she accosted me on the beach, and tried to pick my pocket. I would've smacked anyone who'd try and rob me, though. Some of the girls are tired of the life, but who am I to counsel them?

So they bathed, had a nice place to sleep last eve, and a good breakfast, then back to the docks they went.

Perhaps I'll talk to Calkane, I still can't much stand the sight of him but as always, I'm sure one day we'll get along well. He and I have enough gold to perhaps build some type of house..not a brothel, either..for the girls wishing out of the dock life.

I do know that when I heal, though, I'll still likely seek the ones who wish to remain -in- the dock life.

::chuckles::

We'll see.

::Rises and stretches, chest feeling better than it has in days. Perhaps because he wrote this and got it OFF his chest::

--Journal Entry, 12 November, Sir Knight Carazzi

~covering a yawn, she sets down her tankard of lemonade, and plucks up her journal, sitting upon her balcony, where she's been since sunrise. She writes~

How entirely peculiar. My relatives will be arriving shortly...and I'm to be a mother. Not peculiar so much as ironic. Well, okay, it's about equal on both sides. It seems the perfect solution. And I've the midgets to thank for it. They're wonderful.

There I was with my dilemma: marry my blasted cousin, or have some random man's child to call Maichen. Neither was a good option, or one I could really abide by. My cousin is my cousin...there was no way I was going to marry him, take vows to him before the gods. So very, very twisted. And to have a man's child...I've never shared my bed in my life, and I'm not about to throw my morals away for this. Father would hate that. So I spoke with Thia and Casi. They wanted me to adopt a baby or fake a pregnancy. I said that wouldn't work...has to be of Maichen blood. Their purpose really is noble. Their time-line isn't. Thia suggested marrying me off. Marriage? No thanks. Then Casi suggested I marry Nathaniel and bump him off. There's still the vows thing...and then I'd have to marry another relative. Yuck. Talking to Mags, Chas, and Alterio didn't help either, what with donors and seed, and turkey basters being talked about... ~she shudders~ And Alterio offering to go "make one for me". Oh gods...

But then the midget Xaniral came to speak with me, told me the Ship of Wishes is coming with my family's boat, and that they shall provide me with a child...by magic. It's the perfect solution...no marriage to my cousin, no turkey basters or fornication...and I get my name back. And a legacy to boot. I think I can be a good mother to a baby if I really try hard. Sure, I've never been around babies much, never much saw them being cared for, but how hard can it be? Famous last words, right?

I think the only thing that I feel is wrong with the whole plan is the fact that it will turn my whole life upside-down. But maybe that's not a bad thing. This will be a good change. My child will have a stable, loving home and life. It shall not have a father, I suppose, but hey, I could've done without my mother. I think my little one will be just fine.

Alterio is posing a bit of a problem. He got angry with me when he heard I'd sent Ben's boat for my relatives instead of asking him, then further upset when I mentioned that I didn't think my family would much like Anthony. What can I do besides be honest? And he twisted my words, asking if we'd married if I'd be embarrassed of him. Gods, lately I feel like I can't say anything to him. He wants to help with the baby, too. Said he had some things I could use and whatnot. I told him he didn't have to. It wouldn't be good for him to be traipsing from the manor to my home and back all the time, especially with my family around, being persnickety about things. That's when he said he wanted me to move into the manor. Move into the manor? Gods, I was afraid to flat-out refuse, lest he get upset again, so I tried to convince him that such a move would be impractical...but he got upset anyway, and got snide, and then I got upset, and the conversation was left.

What Alterio doesn't understand is that I value my home as a sign of my freedom and independence. If I leave it to go live with him, especially if I were to tell my family it was actually mine, I'd feel like I was dependent, like I can't do this just by myself, being me, facing a challenge and overcoming it. And there are so many people living there, people that I love and cherish, but people with problems of their own. The manor has never been exactly the most emotionally stable place. I just want my child to live within familiar, warm walls. If I revealed any of these thoughts to Alterio, however, he'd get angry again, thinking I was criticizing him, thinking he wasn't good enough. I won't argue with him, especially not now. I'll buy things for the baby, and make my child's home here, and just forget to mention it until Alterio brings it up...by then I'll have thought of something. I still have to tell Aidan.

I think it's starting to become more real to me. This is no longer just a solution to a problem, but a wonderful gift I'm anticipating. I'm a little frightened. Everyone's frightened of the unknown. I don't know how good I'll be at caring for another life so completely, but I've the will to do so...and if it gets sick or hurt, I'll know what to do. ~she grins to herself~ I think I'm excited.

--Journal Entry, 12 November, Jane Maichen

I dont get it. Last night Jane saying she cant take care of a baby. Before she was always claiming she could take on the world. I mean big deal she is only 16. Gods I was 16 when I had the twins. I was alone. I was alone the day the were born. I had no help with them. And up til Then I had never been around a baby. I knew absolutely nothing. But I did it, I learned and I took care of two.

Gods Ive been pretty much alone since I was 3. My parents died leaving me behind to be placed in an orphanage. Aye, I was adopted when I was almost 10. Adopted..not by a loving family. By a demon spawn perhaps. Abused and beaten daily, sometimes left all night to sleep while being chained to a wall. "Sighs not wanting to think about this much less write it down" I cant, not now tell the rest of what happened.

Anyways, I managed to escape that prison when I was almost 12. Escaped to what? I had nothing, no where to go, no one I knew. I escaped the abuse and beatings and the other things.

Thats when I met Alterio. So handsome and charming and not really much older than me. But yet again i was still alone. Because he was married. I had no one else that I could depend on. I knew no one. Yes he took care of me. I thought at the Time I wasnt alone anymore. But even though his wife killed herself, I had no place in his life. And I, being young and stupid believed everything he told me.

Then at 14 I married someone else. Again I was alone. He was always disappearing for months at a time. This kept Alterio in my life. Well at 15 I found out i was with child. Alterio had no idea the baby was his. He was married again and I couldnt tell him. My so called better half came back -after- I got pregnant. I convinced him the baby was his. He didnt question that. But yet again after being home only about a month he took of again. When the twins came, I was alone.

Always alone it seems. Alterio was around a lot during that time. Then with Mia in danger I had to hide her and Alkane in a boarding school where no one could find them. I told no one where they were, letting them think they had died.

The when he asked me to come here, to this island, telling me life here would be better. Aye it was better, for him, as long as me being his mistress was kept secret. Even now, he knows the twins are his, but nothing has changed. Im still alone and now Mia lives with him and Alkane lives with me, cuse Alterio decided to do that.

Jane has no idea what she is facing. But she can do it if she tries. IF she wants to that is. Hell im beginning to think a child doesnt need a father. We may need them to get pregnant, but they arent to dependable after that little chore is done.

--Journal Entry, 12 November, Vixen

::With having instructed the junior guards on their night shift duties, he stops into the kitchen at the Main House for a light but substantial supper of a small bowl of rabbit stew. He's got about an hour to kill before he heads to his new volunteer job as SSAG Auxiliaryman, pulling night watch at the Bazaar. So he goes to his cottage on the grounds, lights his lantern frugally, and sits to write::

The things you hear inside these grounds, some wouldn't believe.

I myself didn't believe what I'd heard, so I went to the source, and found it to be true. The poor girl..

The lovely young Jane must now be faced with motherhood; she's not ready for such an undertaking, in my humblest of opinions. And my Employer..who's more like a surrogate son gone astray..Alterio.. wants to help her through this time. Well, at least in this particular instance, I know there's no ulterior motive on his behalf. I pulled him aside at once, and questioned him on what his angle was, and I know when he fabricates. It always amazes me how he 'answers to' me: He answers to very few, except himself.

He was genuine in his concern for Jane and her predicament.

Which leads me to yet another strand of thought. Jane looks to me as an uncle figure, she once said. Always professed her fondness of my"gentle soul". How I miss the days when she lived at the Manor; what a lightheartedness she brought to this dark, enormous dwelling I serve and protect; a beacon in the darkness that could consume even the most jaded.

It's starting to consume me too, I think: Why would I be, at this stage in my life, be out on patrol with the SSAG, if not for some time outside the House of Carazzi?

I will go to Jane within the next day or so; offer my emotional support; perhaps borrow Alterio's vessel and set off to accompany the escort ship carrying her relatives in. I would do anything for Jane, she knows as much. She's one of those who's never asked nor expected anything from me, and those are the ones I gladly go out of my way for. If she permits, I'll guard her Friday Night when we seek the true Ship. Actually, scratch the "permit"..it is my duty to do so. Repayment of loyalties, kindness, and tried and true friendship. It is Khlamar's will, it is my solemn duty to ensure no harm befalls her, or Alterio on this mission. He's signed to go, something I wish he hadn't: If he continues on his charted course, he'll be dead by year's end. His heart can't take much more.

The children..I will hand-select the guards who oversee them on Friday eve. The Manor will go into a lockdown with the threats of the enemies lurking, particularly when those most battle-capable will be on the opposite side of the Island. I'd lay my life down for them..or Jane..or Alterio. And a nagging sense of foreboding tells me I just might.. But if it is Khlamar's will, it will be so. I must endeavor to keep them safe.

::His hour up, he must now go on duty::

--Journal Entry, 12 November, Sir Paul Lyons

*Sits upon the floor of her new home, sighing softly, having not yet had her furniture delivered, yet so excited over the new mannor, not really caring about that at the moment*...

I am here, at last, in MY home upon the Isle, tis been sometime since i have had something to call my own, other then Aero, whom I still have stabled at Lady Mags home for the time being.

I tell ye tis such a comfort, to have something one can call their own, I have worked very hard to obtain this, and though tis not as fancy as many it is MINE!

*stands and walks to her balcony, overlooking the ocean, thinking how lovely it will be when her furniutre arrives, then returns to her journal*

I have decided to start with furnishing my personal quarters first, and have the items on order, I do hope they nae have a problem bringing it up here, I did nae wish my room to be upon the first floor, the view of the ocean is simply to spectacular from this vantage point.

Many things have been happening at the dome of late, though i must confess, I only spend the later parts of the evening there, and while i hear much in way of conversation and rumors, I have been far to excited over the completion of my home to pay much attention to any of it.

However, I must say that M'lady Ros seems to be enjoying the company of a rather interesting Gentleman of late...Tis M'lord Attrei, he is a very kind soul, at least seemingly so, and has a wonderful sence of humor. He seems a slight bit enamoured with her as well, as the other eve Roaslyn cast her first healing spell for M'lord Khalidan, and while she did a marvelous job, it did take quite a bit from her, she nae felt well after that, Thus M'lord Attrei assisted her back to the dome, and even rubbed her neck and feet!!!

He was ever so kind to her, and i appreciate that more then he realizes. One thing few realize about me, tis my loyality to those i consider close. Be it male or female. However I do see a twinkle in Ros's eyes when he is about, though she nae admits it to me of yet. Well I suppose whatever makes her happy is good enough for me.

Oh, M'lord Carazzi is not in the best of health of late i fear, he had what rumor speaks of as a "weak heart" Twas very ill till the lady Jane healed him, however i fear he must slow down with his rather....active lifestyle..*chuckles softly to herself* else he will perish a very young man. Speaking of young, I wonder how old M'lord is, I have heard rumor he is younger then I, and if so, then is nae good for his health to be in such jeapordy at such an age. **pauses momentairly, a bit saddened to think of just how "old" she feels of late**

I have nae seen him about in a few days, mayhap he is resting comfortably, which is as it should be, However since our tenative "truce" I have found myself missing his rather...**pausing for the right word** ...unique personality. If nothing else, he does make the evening pass by with interest.

I have ordered a special item for my room, I must say i am quite excited about recieving it, Tis a canopy bed, much like the one i had as a child, yet this one is made from brass, and has red and black lace netting around it..much like drapes, they shall be pulled back with velvet cords, I do hope tis as beautiful as it is in my imagination. I have always wanted one, instead of the same old wooden furniture i've been accustomed to. I have also ordered some chaise lounge chairs, one of which will be placed next to my balcony, so as i may enjoy the view.

I have seen M'lady lyrias quite often as of late, she comes to the dome in the evening, when i am usually there, at times she has met with M'lord Tae, and she seems quite happy with him, yet i fear there is more then meets the eye to that story, while i can converse with her in silent communication, she has nae offered any explination of M'lord to me yet, and I fear tis nae my business to intrude. However, again she seems content.

Well i fear i must be off now, i shall go and see as to the progress of my furniture..I have such a large home now..*glancing about, and sighing softly* I do nae know what to do with so much room, as i had originally hoped for Anastasia to join me, I fear will be quite lonely with only myself here, mayhap i should rent out the extra two rooms.....

*Placing her journal within the confines of her cloak, and taking one last glance out the balcony, turns and heads down the staircase towards the shops*

--Journal Entry, 12 November, Lady Charquin Clemont