PARADISA

[ written in a lazy scrawl, though not necessarily messy; ]

It would behoove you all to learn some sign language... But maybe it's a little late for that, hm? Well then, good job, team.

Does this mean it's all over? Not as exciting as I'd hoped. [ because he didn't get to see the 'finale' and he's sad about it. ] Would have been interesting to see which other three they would have picked. Any guesses?

[ he doesn't even wait for an answer, the following piano music drifting through the journal soon after. it's not short, nor is it especially soothing. it's not even before his time, but he's been in paradisa and it's library and world changes for how long now? gosh golly, he doesn't want to think about it. ]

[ The following is written in stiff handwriting, definitely an intent to be anonymous, despite it just being a story. But he does have a history with these tales. ]

A rich man wanted to give his wife a surprise for her birthday, so he went around town inviting his friends and relatives to attend a sumptuous banquet in her honor at his house. His dog got wind of this and considered it would do no harm if he invited one of his friends to join him at the feast.

Dogs are always hungry and they’re always on the look-out for a free meal, and this dog’s friend was no different, so he had no qualms about accepting the invitation. He turned up early that evening, and observed the cooks hard at work preparing the various dishes. He really thought this was his lucky day and looked forward to stuffing himself so that he wouldn’t feel hungry for two or three days at least. He got so excited that he raised his tail, and wagged it vigorously.

One of the cooks saw the wagging tail sticking up over the pots and pans, and became very annoyed at seeing a stray dog wondering around in the kitchen. He caught the dog by its wagging tail, and after swirling it around a couple of times, threw it with all his might out of the open window. The dog came down hard against a wall, and howled away. He was still limping when he met some of his friends down the road. “I thought you were going out to a great dinner party tonight, but you look rather worse for wear”, said one of his friends, “whatever happened?”

The limping dog shook his head. “I had a fantastic time, I think”, he said “The wine flowed freely all night long and I must have drunk rather more than is good for me. I can’t for the life of me remember how I got out of there!”

[ After an extended pause, he adds, ]

The moral?

[ ooc; Open in person and over the journal! Joshua's sitting on a tree branch of Alexstrasza's tree, so anyone can stumble across him if they would wander into the woods! ]

( Room 705 )

[ written; later ]

When will spring get here? Snow may be pretty at first, but it gets boring to look at after months. Do we have to clean it up ourselves like last time?

[ A teeny little meow follows, and Joshua adds, ]

This weather is not very baby animal friendly.

I once knew a girl named Alice who had been to a place called Wonderland. Was she there? Maybe I should have gone just to say hello, but I like my head on my shoulders, and she told me all about the queen who liked to chop heads off.

Was this one the same?

Pharos— Ryoji doesn't seem to be here any longer. Better, more important things to tend to, no?

[ A chuckle, though it's a melancholy in nature. It seems to drift, like his thoughts, before he speaks up again. ]

This mansion belonged to Zelman Clock, then Ryoji, and now...me. It's empty, and quiet, and absolutely perfect. Except...

It needs a maid or steward. Those that served here from the city have slowly left, [ or been killed in accidental fits, you know, it happens! ] so the position needs to be filled more urgently than ever. Thanksgiving is coming up, after all.

It can...pay, I suppose. Whatever you desire.