'aving no gold left that I managed to bring with me, drove me to go looking for work this day. T'would seem there are nae any. After several hours of wandering around the Bazaar, I went to 'Dome. I met a couple of nice gentlemen there. One of 'em offered me gold to wash his mug. "shakes her head sadly" T'was a mistake, I did nae mean to drop it.

I asked him about working at the docks. Mayhaps I can do tha right. They do nae think I should work there. One of them, I did nae catch his name, mentioned I did nae want the profession as a 'hoor'... I am nae quite sure what tha' is. I will nae accept charity, however. If it means working at the docks as a hoor then I shall.

"glances around the abandoned home she has been staying at since her arrival on the island and sighs"

I wonder who lives here. I 'ave seen no one in the whole time I 'ave been here. I wake up at night worried the owners will come back and find me here. Would they kill me perhaps? "shudders thinking of that" I must find work soon. The food here is gone now. And I should move on soon before the owners return.

"she sighs and blows on the ink to dry it and closes the journal"

--Journal Entry, 16 November, Chandra Kahia

Lets see..I havent written anything here the last few days. I have been spending a lot of time working late at the Boutique then stopping at dome for a short while before heading home. My nights? Well I spend them pacing the floor and thinking or out on the balcony watching the stars. I havent seen Val much the last few days. I Know he has a friend that is suppose to arrive here some time in the next week or so. Maybe he is busy getting ready for his arrival.

The quest last night was quite interesting. I think Im the only one that went that had made no plans to make a wish. Just as well cuse it was quite strange. The wishmaster said for every three wishes one person would die of fright. Well the important thing is Alterio is better. He has a new heart now. He gets a second chance at life. I am sorry that Paul died though. But I know Paul would have given his life willingly for Alterio.

And Jane has her baby "smirks"..a child raising a child. Ah well, Im sure if it gets to be to much to handle she will run to Alterio whinning. Wonder how long it will be before she gets tired of playing 'mommy'. A baby isnt a dolly that you can toss in a corner when your tired of playing with it. Aye, I had the twins when i was her age. But I think i was a little more mature than Jane is. I had obstacles thrown at me all my life and just faced them and handled them. I had no one to run whinning to every time something didnt go my way.

I wonder why Alterio looked at me so strangely last night. Was he hoping I'd make a wish and maybe be the one to die? Well, in any case, I had no intentions of making a wish. I have said that all week and I hadnt changed my mind about it. Lets see..I could have tried to wish Marissa back but why bring her back to this kind of life? I could have wished that I had never met Alterio, but that would have affected more lives than just mine. AYe, there are things I could have wished for, but I chose not to. Jane told me last night, just before the quest, that I should make a wish, even if it was only for something silly. I see no purpose to do that.

And Ros's wish wasnt quite what she expected. She wished for a housecat with white hair and a ship appeared full of whores, all with white hair. Now we have a dock full of whores, that all look alike.

"shakes her head" I guess Alterio will be at the docks soon, overworking his heart, trying to go through each and everyone of them. Ah Well, some people get a second chance and dont appreciate it, while other dont get a second chance even if they beg. Ironic, isnt it?

Well, not daylight yet but i have a full day ahead at the Boutique, so this is all for now.

--Journal Entry, 17 November, Vixen

:::stands for long moments at the window of the Manor, looking out upon the land with a mixed heart. Saddened at the loss of Paul, though, happy that her Uncle is better. Sighing, she moves to the chaise to write:::

I am overjoyed that Uncle Alterio is better. I am glad that he no longer has to worry about his heart. Though, at the same time..I am sorry to see Paul go. He was such a help to us all. More than that, Sir Paul Lyons was like family. He was a part of the Family. The children all miss him, I miss him.

:::sighing she leaves the short entry unsigned, and rises, walking back to the window, perhaps a short visit to the dome is in order.::::

--Journal Entry, 17 November, Lyrias Dreams

Dear Journal,

Last night the island was visited by the ship of wishes and the by the ship that carried Jane's family to the island. The Wishmaster on board was a very old looking man but he had very strong powers and he seemed to enjoy using them.

Jane got her baby, I still can't believe that what I saw was real, the wishmaster just reached inside of the man named Paul and inside of Jane and bringing two things together he created a baby. I was very shocking but not more so than what he did next. The Wishmaster told us for every 3 wishes he granted he would also kill somebody, I'm not sure that I believed him at first but when it was time to grant Sir Carazzi a heart, the wishmaster ripped one right out of Paul's chest and put it into Alterio's!

I don't think I will ever see such a sight again, I was very scared of what the wishmaster might do next and when he said for somebody to ask a wish, Mumphra stepped forward, wishing Jane's baby as a slave for himself, thankfully the wishmaster told him no, but that he could have the next baby that is born unto Jane. Unfortunatlly, the Wishmaster requested Attrei and Eyas step up with him, and Attrei decided to tell the wishmaster that wishes were stupid, I don't know why he thinks he should mess with people who have so much power. The wishmaster tried to throw him into the water, which would have been a problem since he can't swim, but instead Attrei landed on the docks, his ego more bruised than his body.

The wishmaster than told us we had one free wish, and "lucky" me, I was the one who got to wish it. I told myself all night that I didn't want to wish for something at all,but I had to so I wished for something that I thought would not cause any harm to anyone, a white cat, with a sweet disposition. Well next thing I know a boat is at the docks filled with young girls, all with white/blond hair and a virginal look to them, the wishmaster told me to select my "cat". Bah, I didn't want a woman, but I selected anyway thinking I could try to get her a real job or at least give her away to a nice man. The wishmaster decided I wasn't happy with my wish and turned the girl into a baby albino panther, she really is the cutest cat but I feel bad for taking her humaness from her, I never wished for that.

I have been trying to convince myself that I can provide her with a better life than she would have led, hopefully someday it will work. After my wish, the Wishmaster began to leave, asking us to grant him a wish in return, he said that we need to stop the fighting, and the constant bickering, and have peace on the island otherwise all on it will wither and die, including the island itself, I do hope people heed his wish, I like this place I don't wish for it to wither away, nor do I wish to die. *sighs and looks down at the full page* It seems that I have written more than I planned on, so I will end it now and perhaps write again this evening.

--Journal Entry, 17 November, Rosalyn Lovine

~she gazes down at her son, trying hard to believe he's really real, and that he's here. That her whole world has changed, nothing will be the same, and her childhood freedom has vanished at the arrival of her family, and this remarkable little boy. Swaddled in a blanket, laid carefully in a deep basket, Paul Eridon Lyons Maichen sleeps once more, after having been fed a careful milk mixture, the orders from the boutique pending. Jane smiles, a sad smile, but a grateful smile, finding the barest traces of herelf in her child's face, but better yet, strong resemblance to Sir Paul. Brushing away a tear, she brings her journal to her lap to write~

It's all changed, forever. I can't even begin to get my head around it. I don't even know where to go. All I want to do is stay here and just watch him sleep, to be near him, take care of him, and love him. He's perfect. Ten fingers, ten toes, two big, wondering eyes, small nose, little mouth... He hasn't made much noise yet. When he wants something, he simply wakes, and coos at me quietly until I discover what it is. I love him more than I've ever loved anything in my life.

But Paul, his father, is gone. Yes, I know he knew the risks. We all knew the risks, which is why all three of us stepped forward, willing to chance it. But how can I not feel guilty when it seems to me I received this child, his child, in exchange for his life? Some could argue that he really exchanged his life for Alterio's who would have died too young otherwise...but I don't feel that way. I feel grieved. I've lost great men in my life before, my father and Wesley, but this was Paul...Paul who died so honourably it hurts. Paul who cared for me simply because I was me. I promised him that night, when I named our son, that I would raise his child to be as he was, with the morals and just nature and honour that he held, and that I strive for in vain. I can only hope he heard me, hope that he is somewhere good, hope that he is proud and not ashamed, that he is watching and protecting us, Alterio as well. Alterio shall live long now, Paul's heart beats in his breast. Paul may have very well wanted that...I don't know for sure, but I think he may have. I will never forget him, and I will never stop weeping for him, just as I have never forgotten Riena, or Father, or Wesley.

The Wishmaster said that the darkness that enshrouded the ship...a ship that was once glorious and filled with laughter...was due to us. Due to our selfishness, our apathy, the slaughtering of the midgets. He said we must try to get along, to care for others, to *care*... I must admit I am guilty of some of that. There are days I just don't care. But mostly I am selfish. Always so concerned about my honour lately, absorbing myself in getting my family name back. Did I really need it? Too late to debate now. I've got it, and a son, and my family here. I honoured my Elder's dying wish. The wish of a man I condemned to dying aboard a ship rather than warm in his own bed. How could this have happened? We shall take him to the volcano today. I can only hope we will all heed the Wishmaster's wish. I do not blame him if he never comes back again. I don't think I would, either. Reparations paid with an innocent man's life...

My family lies safe in Lyrias's house, Aunt Amy is not well and could be on her death bed. Ashling is herself. I asked the midget to send her to Uncle Treyman. I wonder how they're faring? Uncle Kienen looked ashen, Carlin simply as though he wished to be anywhere else. Hester and Nathaniel, stayed to the back. I will go see them today, taking Paul II with me, and together we will take Uncle Yorath to the volcano. He was great man, in his day, Father told me as a child. I wish he could have died a great death. I suppose I should go now. The baby is stirring.

Jane Maichen

~hearing Paul coo, she smiles at him and gingerly lifts him from the basket, taking him to her bed to change him before they go to see the family~

--Journal Entry, 17 November, Jane Maichen

My Master has allowed me 20 min to sit in my chair at the tabel and eat then I am to go back to kneeling ... My Master has removed my collar!!! I am so afraid I can hardly think. He has placed me in Iron chains so that my wrists are bound as well as my ankles by the heavy chian and all are connected to thie one about my waist. I must wear the burlap punishment dress and it itches me terriably.

I have been told I am to kneel and look at my collar and think of what I have done ... My Lovely collar he had made for me its gold and silver tones bring me such comfort.

Will he allow me to wear it agian or am I to to stay in these chains forever I only wished to offer help to the dragon slave .. I should not have but I wished not to see anyone not even him be beaten and now what has it got me These chains and the anger of my master and Sir Carazzi.

I have never seen the look of anger and disappointment as I saw in my masters eyes when he found me to be not telling the truth. And Dracored he never once tried to assist me when it was brought to light I had lied for him.. I hear he too was chained but he is an uncarring beast and he will not care that I may lose my very life for want of trying to help him!!!!

:: hears the sounds of someone entering the house and quickly closes her diary and takes her position on her knees gazing at her beloved collar the food on the plate never touched::

--Journal Entry, 17 November, Jasmin Rose

*Dips his phoenix feather quill in the ink and begins to write in broad angry strokes.*

Damn that Dragon! I know jasmin's heart is large and she looks up to them but still, to see the one creature on the Isle I'd expressly forbade her to see kill an innocent and then to help him try to cover up his crime?

*puts down his quill for a moment*

It makes me feel like I've failed, I failed her, I failed myself, and I failed the gardener I never even knew. She's on her knees contemplating her sin now. Contemplating My failure. Contemplating her failure.

Back home she'd have been killed for this and I'd have been fined or outlawed, possibly killed myself if he'd been more than a gardener. But I'll not do that to her, or to Mags and Mother for that matter.

She'll be punished: Ten thousand gold to support the family of that gardener. Ten thousand gold she must carry to them on her knees in public in chains and her punishment dress----and then apologize to them.

Then she will be allowed to regain her collar. And her gold hobble. But she must add thin gold manacles, and never speak to Dracored again.

Perhaps this will be enough

I hope so.

Halfdan Harper, surnamed the Black

*signs his name without a flourish and sands the paper*

--Journal Entry, 17 November, Halfdan

*Ara sits up in the late evening looking well rested and at peace with herself. Her hair still forms gentle spirals from where it was pinned to her neck, giving off the fragrance of lavender and honey as she writes in the last page of her journal*

..Well they say tha' every volume completed is a piece o'one's life preserved. I should say this is a particularly important piece o'm'life, and endin' discussing the most important day o'm'life.

Aye, a'ter long last Sylver and I were Betrothed last evening, November th'16...And a sweeter marriage there never was, all overlookin' the sea, pure as salt, gazed down upon by Brigid, and up from by the Selkie's tha' reside there..Dan didna ask us tae exchange rings- Calhin didna show up tae be th'bearer nor th'best man but went well an' fine all the same..I am proud tae say tha' I am th'wife o'Sylverleaf Vanidar, and wear his ring wi'th'same.

My prayers and hopes go up tae Brigid tha' we might find this happiness between each other always, though I've no doubt aboat it...

The wedding night was quiet, we merely held each other and spoke, I assume there are expections for a honeymoon, and maybe we didn't meet them, bu'we had what we wanted- time close tae each, baskin in th'light o'our hearts, and listening to it's breathing as we spoke.

Sylver is the most gentle, thoughtful, beautiful Elf I've e'er laid eyes upon, and I should think tha' he and I were meant for each other for we fit s'well and compliment th'other. The thing aboat tha' strikes me most is tha' he still retains tha'sweet shyness o'when I first met him, quiet and ever thinkin' o'm'best interest. I ne'er did konw an'one who cared tha' much, 't makes me feel spoilted 'does...

Casi begifted us with a few days stay a'th'White Sands restort which sounds a lovely novetly though I'mna sure what one does a'a resort, jes' th'same i'm certain 'twill be a beautiful thing, dependin on when we take up th'offer o'going..

Another thing...I dunnae feel safe wi'th'house tha' was begifted tae me a few moons prior...Right on th'water and much tae large an' extravagant for m'likin'..Sylver suggest we sell it and set up a nice thatched roof cottage somewhere in the Oaks...I thought it a splendid idea though I've no idea where I'd go aboat sellin' such an estate and t'whom? It'd likely sit on th'market f'weeks...I suppose I ought talk tae one o'the guildmasters or p'raps Alterio himself- who is doin' better I hear, on account o'tha new heart given tae him by his selfless Guard, Paul, - whom I will dearly miss.

A'present I should like nae a thing more than tae walk on the cliffs, gather wild flowers and bake bread wi'Sylver...an' I think I might...

Th'Goddess be wi'you.

--Journal Entry, 17 November, Arachne