*she sits up quietly, having checked on her sleeping husband enough and finding that, unfortunately, his slumber wasn't contagious..Trying to sit and gather her thoughts so she might meditate failed horribly, her hands fidgety and restless...She looks about and plucks up her journal and quill thinking perhaps if she pushed her hand a little sleep might come...*

I

*she pauses a moment, screwing her nose, the freckles creasing into erroneous constellations between her brows..*

don't know.

*eyes the short sentence and then rips out the page, folding it neatly and pushing it towards the end of the book so it might be used for letter writing later. Again she puts the quill down*

Everything has erupted into such turmoil- and abrubtly.

*she squints at that, quirking a brow and sighs..Then makes a small sound and scrawls something short beneath it..*

I've an idea.

*smiling she closes the journal- the entire entry not good for much at all- at least in her private recording...She rises, curling up back behind the delicate arch of Sylver's back, reaching to tuck her face into the space on the pillow that's left between his neck and the beginning of his shoulders, and drifts into dreams..*

--Journal Entry, 24 November, Arachne

:::sits quietly in the sitting area of her suite, after a long nap, deciding to write her thoughts before venturing to the dome:::

I had a nice long chat with Mairin last night. Poor child, she snuck out of the Manor, though, I dont know how, she did. She ventured into the dome, and upon seeing her, of course I wanted to know what could have brought her out...especially alone. She's right, the Manor has become quite somber and morbid as of late. Though, how could it not? The loss of Paul, and Ali, in such a short period of time. I can understand her wish to be out of the Manor for a while, though, I dont agree that she should do it alone, and I believe she understood that, and the reason why.

I couldnt explain things much better to her. Im not sure of how to word things so that its understood, though Mairin is a very bright child, I still wish not to distress her. I promised her I wouldnt tell Uncle Alterio about her being out, and I'll keep my promise.

We had a discussion about life, and, Felina's name was brought up. There is still so much I dont know about Felina and Mairin's past. Though, I know it was not a pleasant one. I know Mairin has no wishes to return to her homeland and her 'Papa', as she says Felina wants her to do. I suppose, I shall have to watch that quiet young lady a bit more.

:::recalls her visit to the dome earlier this day:::

Uncle Alterio was pretty upset today for some reason, and so was Mairin. I dont know what that was all about, but, if it were to have been about her sneaking out last night, then Im sure that I would have been the next in line for the visit to his office. How I loathe those visits. Though, Im sure he will understand that I was simply trying to put Mairin's mind at ease, when I didnt send her home immediately. I have done this with all the children when they come into the dome so late. They too have problems, and need to express them, and have someone at least try to help them through them. Of course, Im sure it wont be seen that way.

:::thinks on her Shoppe:::

Things have been fairly slow, though I expected that with it being a new shoppe and all. Ive fashioned a slave collar for Kuno, filled an order for Tiggy...and thats about it.

I really should try to work more. I need to get that place up and going as quickly as I can. Its a nice shoppe, and, Im not far from the Idiot or the Boutique, so I see Ben and Vixxy all the time. Work keeps my mind off of other things, and I am glad for that much at least. Though, I think perhaps I should slow down just a little, until business picks up. I nearly passed out on my way back to the Manor. Not enough sleep, and the heat of the forge, even though it is small, just got to me. Likely not eating like I should be, or the rye at the dome didnt help much either.

:::shrugs::: Oh well, Im sure it wont kill me. It cant be anyworse than wearing armor all the time, and Ive done that before too.

Ahh...Ive spent far too long here, its time for me to go and visit the dome, time for some fresh air.

::::Begins to walk out of the Manor, headed to the dome, finds Lia curled against her Uncle's door, and gently picks her up, kissing her forehead. Walking back into her suite, she lays Lia softly into her bed, covers her with the brocade quilt, and whispers to her..."Good night lovey, I will be back soon. Sleep here."...Lia's little golden head bobs in response, before drifting back to sleep. As she herself heads out finally::::

--Journal Entry, 25 November, Lyrias

:::sits at the small desk in her sitting room, the double doors to the balcony opened, allowing the sea breeze to circulate the air in her rooms, the moonlight pours in, illuminating the journal in which she now writes:::

These last few days 'ave been 'eaven 'ere. I love the 'ome, and the natural flowers tha surround it. The stream runs clear, and tis beautiful. E'erything seems perfect. I invited Benjamin tae come and see the 'ouse, though 'e 'asna been 'ere yet. Per'aps something came up. It 'asna been tae long since Ali passed, may the Twiligh' Dove watch o'er 'er sweet soul.

:::recalls the night's dancing and merriment the couple of das before:::

Twas a beautiful night..the dancing, the bards, being t'ere tae spend time with Benjamin. 'e dances quite well, bet'er than e'en I thought 'e would. I enjoyed dancing with 'im, and talking quietly. Though, I 'ad said some things I 'ad nae intentions o'saying. I donna dwell upon the one lost...twould be tae live in the past, and I am 'ere in the now. Though, I wonder, per'aps if I 'ad done things differently, if 'e would still be 'ere. :::sighs:::

Such thoughts lead tae unpleasant things, and I shallna give in tae them this eve. Tis tae beautiful, the scent o'the blooms in m'room is intoxicating, and the moonlight tis radiant in its silver splendor.

::her thoughts are invaded by the voice of Duncan, her Father..."Lass, chin up, now..tis old and gone. Buried with tha' male whom left ye. 'e didna deserve ye tae begin with. Ye deserved sae much bet'er than tha'. Damn fool man tae ignore m'angel....."...with a soft, soft sigh, she blocks out her Father's ranting, and continues to write::::

This 'ouse brings me such pleasure. Bailey seems tae like it well enough. 'e 'as taken tae wandering about the rooms, trying tae decide which 'e will use as 'is own. I shall 'ave tae get 'im a few things for 'is room. I believe things shall go quite well 'ere on the Isle.

~Tika~

:::she leaves the journal to dry.:::

--Journal Entry, 25 November, Tika Flynn

Close call. I nearly lost footing. But how can I stand down? She won't speak for herself, so someone had to voice her side. Still she goes off to school. At home she would be under his tutelage, learning the best of everything. But she's not going home. Neither am I as long as she's here. I spoke with her. She tells me so little. I came softly and sisterly. And she did speak. She spoke of her fear and sorrow. How vulnerable and tender! I never so much suspected. She fears his anger, yet loves him more than she does me. She believes he is her link to life. She fears for the Idiot but these I quelled with news that he was free. I suspect something was discovered. She weeps for her own betrayal. I begged her naught. She would not budge. She should not be so suppressed. She sought to ease her pain without adding to his. Such a crime? I think not. She saved his soul, didn't she? Why should she suffer. But I will argue no more. My point was made for a time. She is special. She is pure. Even angels falter. But only with the best intentions. Indeed, she is ignorant of malice, and none can say different. I will deliver such expressions.

Enough of this menial redundancy.

--Journal Entry, 26 November, Felina of Lyndette

::Looks at the half empty case of rye procured from alterio's office in a midnight raid:: I cant believe out of 2 cases this all I have left, the patrons certainly like Alt's rye....though I lied and said I bought it from him. Demas is certainly a better theif than I he picked the lock on the door.But twas my idea and I stole it. I figured ALterio is more than likely going to punish me for being the one accusing Draco of murder. I merely told what I knew and Benny baby was intent on doing harm to the dragon. I figured Gaol was better than dead.::shrugs and takes one of the 6 bottles left un corks it and draws deep on it savoring the taste::

Bah who cares I figure I am in trouble let it at least be worth something!

I was going to hide until the danger of being punished by ALterio had passed and then for some reason I felt very strange tonight and came skipping into the dome to start trouble and boy did I find it. I knew Alt had rye in his office and well ummmm things happened.

::tosses the empty bottle out the window and sands the paper smirking to herself and her private thoughts::

--Journal Entry, 27 November, Magdelennya

*sits on a chaise lounger in her room, the kitten Merasi on her lap purring loudly, the journal at her side, she picks it up and begins to write*

Dearest Journal,

Last night was a horrible night. First Alterio spoke to Lady Char privately and she told him what Draco had said to her. Well, I couldn't believe what he said next, and to think I thought he would have acted in a noble manor about this situation but no he did not. He propositioned her, well rather he asked her to proposition me for him! And then decided that he would rather have both of us, at the same time, or he would not call off his dragon! He would either see us in the belly of a dragon or in his bed!

Hmmph, I don't care to be in either. I'm glad for once that Attrei has not returned yet because I don't like to think of the trouble he may have gotten into if he had heard what was said, when he does return I don't think I will tell him, at least not right away, Char and I will be able this ourselves, nothing any man says or does will have any affect on Alterio I'm sure.

The other terrible event of the evening came a bit later when Eyas got into a terrible fight with this strange man. He was wounded, but Demas and I healed him and I'm sure he will be back to his shadows and rafters in no time. It just worried Char and I very much to have a good friend fighting alone and not being able to help him, next time I will not hesitate to help. I will not stand for seeing my friends wounded so terribly.

*sighs, glancing around the room and then down at the little panther*

Attrei has not returned yet, I miss him terribly, I wish he would at least send some word of when he will be back, the house is very quiet without him, as is the dome. * a tear starts to form in her eye and she brushes it away quickly*

He will be back sooner or later I'm sure, and I hope he has a good reason has to why he was gone for so long, I just hope that reason is not a woman. This is all I will write today Journal, I hope this evening proves to be happier than the last.

--Journal Entry, 27 November, Rosalyn Lovine

::Returns home after filing official complaint with the office. He winks at the children waiting to greet him in the grand foyer, tousling Thirlia's hair. A jovial mood some might think by his good nature, he excuses himself before dinner to step to his office and write a few lines in his book::

Well, seems that what some might've thought a 'petty theft' has gone beyond that. And I need not accept that it's happened. And believe it or not, I've employed truly legal means to handle this one.

For you see, I do own Pleasuredome, that was made mine when Merrick died; but unbeknownst to many, I still pay the lease on my office. Need to justify it in the books the bookkeeper makes; And many think it's either 'their territory' or some flophouse where they can do as they please.

Fact of the matter? It's a private establishment. And this little 'petty theft'...was a forced entry through my locked door, and my possessions were stolen.

I could have handled this as Mags might've suspected: Try and get at her myself; but no, I won't bother. Why should I, with the likes of that? No, no. And my office is just that--MINE. Do I intrude on Halfdan's? Do I pick locks to see what goes on in others' private quarters? Do I trample into others' homes uninvited?

No. And it stops. I've spoken to Quajinx, who is little like Merrick. Merrick would've said "Let it go" or "Have her make restitution and promise to nae do it again."

Spoke to Quajinx. He conveyed his thoughts..which was bizarre for me, as Quajinx has no tongue but I could hear him clearly.

"A theft could be punishable by the severing of a hand."

Good man, that Quajinx. I know I smiled broadly, but he looked sternly, as to insinuate I shouldn't feel this sadistic..pleasure. But is it sadistic?

Let's see.

The woman has touched me unwantedly..licking my face like a dog, and meddling in my business.

The woman has gotten me into physical confrontations in the past.

The woman has had my Slave arrested and thinks I don't yet know. Oh, I know, and I feel for the one who will pay for that misstep. But that's another thought for another time.

The woman has overstepped too often. Generally, I ignore her. But with the Law on my side? After she's violated private property..my property..well, perhaps it would humble her to walk round with a stump or a hook for a hand.

When the warrant is served, it will begin.

On another note...::chuckles and sips a fresh rye:: Charquin is hardly the woman I thought her to be. Asked her to procure Ros for a tryst with me..and perhaps joining in. Oh, how I expected her nostrils to flare..or even slap me..but was that a flicker of 'perhaps' I saw in her eyes, considering my outrageous proposition? Was it?

These women..::shakes his head:: Particularly the ones you think have standards..morals..as if I'd need a go-between to secure a bed partner for me...I was merely testing her, testing the waters. Had they shown up nude, I'd have sent them home. It was merely an experiment, an experiment of which I already knew the outcome:

Most women have a price. And it's a shame, for I was fond of Char for a brief while. Guess I'll have to keep looking.

--Journal Entry, 27 November, Sir Knight Carazzi