Dear Journal,

This last week I have not been able to get myself to the Dome much, I have mostly stayed in my room and made plans for the future. The nights that I did make it to the Dome were memorable, poor Ben had to run through the dome naked and offer himself to Donk, not to mention losing 25,000 gold pieces, all over a silly duel. I myself wish that I had the kind of money some people on this island have, *sighs* but alas I know that their stay here has been much longer than mine and as I am still young I know my time will come someday. The other night that I was able to drag myself away from my thoughts and go to the dome I was joined by Kental. I do say he has changed since his first days here on the island, perhaps he was on a rougher riding ship than I and it caused him to feel distressed. Anyway, we had a nice conversation in which he promised to tell the Lady Charquin and I why he had to leave his home and come to the island, but he left in such a hurry that he nae did have the chance, regardless the Lady Charquin teased me endlessly about my interest in him and I told her that we were just aquintances, not even really friends yet. This much is true, he is very handsome when he is cleaned up but so are many other guys, being handsome is not everything however. * Yawms* Well I must retire to bed now before I fall face first onto your pages, Goodnight.

* puts the journal back under her pillow, blows out the candle and goes to sleep*

--Journal Entry, 5 November, Rosalyn Lovine

:::::sits in the sitting room at the Manor, holding both notes left attached to the Dome door, reading them over and over again, as she writes:::::::

"any whom your heart would break, must be forgiven their mistake" I know these words. I know them well...

"Any whom your heart would break,
Must be forgiven their mistake.
Any whom would cause you tears,
Can be defeated with good cheer.

:::grumbles and mutters in elven as she cant remember the next line:::

....But, never fear, for You have the Light."

These very words were left for me. By Fin. I remember them, I know whose hand penned them. And this one..although I cannot remember exactly how it goes..I know it. He wrote it."There's a Moral to the Story, and it is this:

Some Things You Lose, and Never Miss.
While others tear like razors as they depart,
And leave the scars of grief upon the wounded heart."

:::sighs as she tries to figure it out::::

He said he was leaving. Though, with the appearance of these notes, I dont know. Maybe he didnt leave. Perhaps he just wanted Kuno to think he left.

:::takes a drink of the rye brought to her earlier, though, left mostly untouched, as her appetite for alcohol has dwindled a bit, then begins to write again::::

Demas...I have no idea what happened between him and Uncle Alterio. Though with little thought he threatens my Uncle to me. What kind of person threatens someone's family so directly? Did he not expect me to take up defense for Alterio? If he did, well, now he knows that I will. And most definitely, I will. He was warned. I told him if he attempted to harm Uncle Alterio while I am around..he would lose his head, because I would remove it. And I will. I meant what I told him. There will be one bloody, cold day in hell before I let him cause harm to my family. Even despite my differences with my Uncle, I love him, and would lop the head off of any who meant him harm. Its just that simple. Everyone here knows that. They all know that Alterio and I fight, nearly constantly, but, they all also know that I would shed my last drop of blood to keep him safe. Him, Ali, Mairin, Mia, Lia, Christopher, Alkane, Breuse..all of them.

Speaking of Breuse, I havent seen him lately, perhaps I should go and visit him tomorrow. I need to take Lia with me to the Twilight Dove anyway. I intend upon having Tika also make her a gown, and see how the progress of the cloak is coming along. Casi says that it is beautiful. Im sure that it is. I cant wait for it to be done.

Well, sleep beckons the weary. And, I am indeed, weary.

~Lyrias~

:::sprinkles some sand on the pages, allowing them to dry, before slipping beneath the blankets of the queen-sized bed, and snuggling down into them. Her door opens, and she sees her "Golden Child" peek in, smiling, she calls out.."Come on, Lovey, come keep me warm."..amidst the pattering of little feet, and giggles, Lia bounds to the bed, and climbs in, to be wrapped securely in her arms, as they both bound off for sleep:::::::

--Journal Entry, 6 November, Lyrias Dreams

::::sits at the table in her home, thinking as she begins to write her thoughts on paper:::

It 'as been quiet 'ere as o'late. Seems tha things are about tae change though. I donna knae 'ow yet, but, they are going tae change.

::::::thinks on the recent happenings at the pleasuredome::::

Seems tha Laddie is back tae 'is writin' again. I knae it makes 'im 'appy, but, 'e needs tae quit 'olin 'imself up. Twould be nice tae see 'im about again.

The All 'allows Eve party twas interesting. Benjamin's jester costume was 'andsome on 'im. Twas a bit on the tight side, 'owe'er. ::chuckles::. Nae alot 'appened tha' I knae of. I didna get tae spend tae long t'ere.

:::smiles remembering being called 'Teacup' tonight:::

It seems tha the wee lass, Thirlia, remem'ers who I am. The first time I saw 'er 'ere she looked at me and pointed, saying.." 'Rion'". I 'andna 'eard tha' name in a while. Tis per'aps for the best. I donna need tae dwell upon tha any longer. Tis in the past, let it lie in the past. 'is demons 'ave quit 'aunting me so much. Oh, aye, I still think o'im sometimes. And t'ere are times when I do miss 'im still, but, tis all. Memories. Tis all tha' remains o'tha relationship. Kiralyn and Duncan donna let me forget tha I needed tae be treated bet'er by 'im. I doubt tha they e'er will. Da especially.

Tis alot tae be done. I 'ave a cloak tae finish for Lyrias. Casi liked it. I 'ope tha' Lyrias will tae. I 'ave so many needle 'oles in m'fingers tis nae funny. ::chuckles::: I need tae be more careful o'm'fingers.

Well, tis late, and I canna think o'anything else tae write.

Tikaris Kyra Flynn

:::rises, blowing out the candle, and leaves the journal open to dry until morning, taking her weary body to bed::::

--Journal Entry, 6 November, Tika Flynn

"she pours more whiskey in the glass and takes a drink as she stares out the window into the darkness, she sighs and looks at the glass wondering what happened to having coffee in the morning, she sets it down and pulls the journal over and writes"

What happened to my life? Its gone straight to hell. Oh yes, i remember, its because im so happy. Its funny that one little four letter word can make ones life so miserable and filled with nothing but pain.*love* always starts out making you happy and -always- ends up making you wish you were dead. Lets see..the highlight of my days are looking forward to leaving the shoppe so i can go to dome and start drinking, then go home and drink more. Lately, Im leaving the shoppe early..to go to dome and start drinking. Yesterday, I left the shope around midday and went to dome.

Liquid lunch..Food..When did i eat last? just thinking of food makes me nausous. Sleep..well, I cant remember when I slept last either. I wish I could just lock myself in this room and not see anyone, cept maybe the maid when she brings wine or whiskey or whatever to drink. I dont know why I even go to dome anymore. I just sit and drink in silence, hardly ever say anything to anyone.

I mean why bother to talk. It just gives the nibshits, that have no life, something to repeat to Alterio. Like Jane, yesterday, questioning Kuno about his 'job'. Im just so glad she could take time away from cuddling with Aidan to butt into my life. Do I repeat to Alterio what i see her doing or saying? I think not. Lets see, what have i seen this week? Kissing, cuddling, and talking about what they are going to do when they get home, then leaving holding hands and giggling. Oh and her saying how hot he makes her. Funny, Aidan, is always conveniently not around much when Alterio is. But when he is, I sure dont see Jane plopping on Aidan's lap, kissing and snuggling with him."smirks wondering how much of this will be denied and innocence claimed today, as she has not spoken this out loud to anyone". Well, since everyone but Alterio sees it, I dont need to say a word. Let him be a fool. Maybe he will get hurt as bad as he had hurt me.

I just dont care anymore. Theres very little left that i care about. The children..thats about all i care about. They are the only thing keeping me from plunging a dagger into my chest, just to end this pain.

But as long as I can smile and laugh at the right times, hell no one knows how I feel. Doesnt matter if the smile or laugh is forced. No one cares or notices.

As far as letting myself love someone again...NEVER will that happen. Why waste my time to be happy for a short while, just to end up miserable again?

Young and naive, I let that happen once, i wont let it happen again.

"she finishes the glass of whiskey and shoves the journal over, grumbling to herself having to get dressed to leave"

--Journal Entry, 6 November, Vixen Blade

::After a rather grueling day at his market, he stops at Crystal Spas to clean up in a manner befitting him: an ostentatious one. Rather than a commoner's bath or a peasant's washing hands in a basin, he allows himself to be fawned over by the Spa girls, and once his hair dries, he heads for home. He greets those in the Manor and goes to his study, something he saw last eve, or was it the eve before? He's not sure, as he worked so damned hard this day that the events meld together. Regardless of when it happened, he records his thoughts in his journal::

Well, here I am again, filled with questions and hearing silence as answers. Could it be the Ship of Wishes coming again? The fire on the horizon, the bawdy singing and garish music..that indicated a familiarity. But the scream? I know not what's in store, I see nothing that others didn't. I just don't know what's to happen next.

But what -if- the glorious ship is making its way back here, in the same vein as their first visit, a visit that seems so long ago..when life was simpler here? Where you asked and received nearly anything you desired? The next visit was a bit more sinister, but even then, wishes were granted to the lucky.

If it's them again..what would the people wish for? What would -I- wish for? ::He pauses and thinks, hearing the children playing with Alianna and Lyrias, he hears the fluttering of feet on the ceiling above, Felina and the workers going about their chores. He hears clanging of pots and pans in the kitchen, a busy house readying for supper. Absently he calls to one of the staff to go out and feed Dracored the body that was found on the grounds, it was still warm, and likely an attempted intruder. As the staffer goes to feed Dracored, he picks up his quill again::

I've got health, wealth, beautiful children. I'm a damned handsome man..even though some of these newer women care to dispute THAT, they know it's all too naggingly true. I've got slaves, business, a base of those I can rely on. What could I want for, really.

One with the intelligence of Jane.
The body and beauty of Vixen.
The innocence and wonderment of Arachne.
The impishness and sweetness of Lyrias.
The softness and caring of Jasmin.
The refinement and nobility of Charquin.
The libido of Leahman. MINUS those looks, and with far better teeth..
The patience with me and willingness to look the other way when I stray, of Mirell....

It'll never happen. I'll just wish for more gold. ::smirks and puts his journal aside, to join the family for dinner::

--Journal Entry, 6 November, Sir Knight Carazzi

*Ara sits quietly fingering a small black box her eyes quiet, the usual ruddy glow in her cheeks replaced now by a hue that matches sunset on porcelain. Exhaling gently she regards her quill and the journal that lays open, beckoning, at her lap. She tips her gaze upwards, a spiral of dusty green sunlight filtering onto her curls, casting a halo, from the grove of trees she's stationed herself under. Nodding lightly to no one in particular she licks the quill and dips it into an inkpot beginning slowly, brows arching some, lips moving to embrace the words as they spill from her wrist..*

So.. it seems I've returned, to this place. I should ha' known tha' if you start running in circles y'bound to end up where y'began. In this case, Sylver has been m'beacon here, his presence twinkling and hopeful in the sky, real as stars, comforting as moonlight.. I've watched the in and outs of the 'Dome, you wouldn't believe how fear will teach you to cloak yourself in shadow and move in the smallest spaces without being seen...

I should like to think on the 'Dome as if I were the Creator...and I believe I would frown. Only a moment in this game...Might I draw some soul aside and tell them matter-of-factly to take a look at their lives- their homes- their friends. What have you done to y'selves? This Isle of paradise, woven in all the pain that comes to balance out immeasurable joy...Do you not see those raging drunk tears that pour from the eyes of the women? The empty voices of the children, raised in a world where there are few loving parents...Can you not see the state of neglect y'all ha'fallen into? Y'shoppes an' homes aye, but y'selves! There are hours of the night here where there is nae a soul asleep, all are roused by tears in their beds and praying for something to lift the weights that hold down their wings that might let them loft into that heavenly place this paradise ought tae be. See how everyone goes about with their eyes down? Or feigns there well-being? The hurt here is unbearable...Perhaps my own fear and pain has cast shadows over my eyes, maybe I'm only picking out the horrid things, but I shouldn't like to say that things are well here, because they aren't.

But getting back t'm'self...The 'Dome no matter how dramatic a'times has proven to be a home to m'weary body, and Sylver, without a doubt, home to m'heart. Mayhap we will set an example to what a happy, truly loving couple ought tae be. I ache for those lasses who lay in their beds and think o'er their unfaithfullness, or the unfaithfullness that has been wrecked upon them...Sylver has been tae me what a heart is tae a body: he keeps me alive, he helps me through when e'en I can't control m'self…he houses my body wi'his arms and m'soul wi'his love and he ne'er fails tae let m'know…I was and still am counting down the days until our Betrothal…Tae find a dress, I suppose I should ha' tae act on the proposal Vixen spoke on…E'ry night in m'dreams I find him. And I ne'er worry for an'thing knowing he is close tae me.

--Journal Entry, 6 November, Arachne