The Oracle
First Passage of the Cricket Moon
Ruins Discovered Northwest of Aranor
An explorer, hired by the Montrim household in Aranor, will be speaking about his recent discoveries this An Meja at the Museum of Aranor. His presentation will include the display of artifacts and sketches of the find. The presentation will be addressed to peers and sages, but will be open to the public.
Hired to explore the lands north of Aranor, the explorer, Kaladorn, discovered what is probably the largest and best preserved example of fae architecture yet found in the Old World.
"The ruins," he told me, "are definitely of Koreg make – the architecture and artifacts are unmistakable. Most sages presume the Koreg to be a fae race which dominated the Old World before the arrival of the native humans, the Northerners. Most of their ruins are subterranean, which makes my discovery especially unusual, seeing as the majority of this structure is above ground."
While many Koreg ruins and artifacts have been found, the ancient race remains mysterious, primarily because they had no writing, and seem to have quite suddenly disappeared. I have spoken to Lady Emily of Illumination, who will be teaming with Kaladorn and a number of other sages to present a treatise on the subject. She has promised me that scribed copies will soon be available in most of Aranor’s booksellers.
Tania
Whales Come by Neraha
Neraha was unusually crowded last passage, especially near the beaches, all in honor of the annual migration of Great Whales that made its way past Neraha’s shores.
The sight is said to be a majestic one, as creatures the size of ships leap and jump, as if in celebration, as they pass by.
Brave observers went out in fishing boats and trells for a closer look, but most people watched from the shore, some with scopes.
"It’s a real treat for everyone who comes," said Mistress Lydavia, Neraha’s most famous resident. "The grace and beauty of these creatures is really beyond the breadth of imagination."
Neraha celebrates the passage of the whales every year with a grand festival, attracting hundreds of visitors to the small but wealthy town. Dancing, bonfires, fishing contests, and feasts are coupled with tales of the sea and rides upon Queen Ennea’s famous White Galleon, brought up especially for the occasion.
Tirian
Maelmuire and Rilhaven Discuss Peace
In an unprecedented event, Lord Niall’s Minister of Provincial Relations met with Aeridog, one of Maelmuire’s leaders under King Lambrodegh. They met in a place midway between their two territories, in an old fortress held by Rilhaven’s Border Guard.
The topic was peace.
"The price of war weighs heavily upon the two provinces," said Storm, our Regent of Aranor who is, of course, the former Maelmuirian princess under King Lambrodegh.
"Maelmuire fights to preserve their culture, which is heavily tied up with their sacred places scattered throughout the New World. And Rilhaven keeps Maelmuire pinned down so that the citizens of Rilhaven can live, fish, and hunt the lands of that same province."
The age-old war, based on the possession of territory, is seeing its first possibility of ending.
"Huge concessions would have to be made by one side or the other," Storm said. "I’m not sure how much compromise is possible. I, personally, wouldn’t wager on peace."
But she admitted that she was no longer privy to the political aims of Maelmuire, and that Lord Niall had not told the Old World much about the meeting. Exactly what is on the agenda, then, is a mystery.
"I’m sure," said Storm, "that we’ll hear more within the next few passages. Let’s all hope for the best."
Lord Kieran
