Fourth Passage of the Frost Moon

Blankets of snow fell over the southern territories of Casara, closing off the pass between Casara and Faol and stalling any attempts at negotiations. Word from Casara indicates that they were massing a force in preparation for an attempt to take the pass if the King of Faol did not relinquish access to the port.  The snows and heavy winds, however, have prevented any movement in the area.

Both sides continue to argue over the disputed mine, although Faol reportedly has been concentrating most of its miners on the area, stripping it clean as soon as possible. Initial reports suggest that the mine is even wealthier than formerly supposed, and reliable witnesses confirm that over fifty million silver’s worth of emeralds have now been found. If true, this would catapult Faol into the position of one of the wealthiest provinces in the Known Lands, just behind Rel Morde and Masalla.

Casara has demanded an equal share of the mined gemstones due to the location of the mine, but since Faol has done the actual mining, Casara will have a difficult time proving any ownership, especially as the mine now rests on land that officially belongs to King Niall of Rilhaven.

Lord Kieran

In a daring daylight prank that has caused great outrage, a young man by the name of Daelin broke down a section of fence at the Delta stables, then ran into the paddock and chased out seventeen mares. While most of the horses simply lingered on the street, eight of the horses were frightened enough that they scattered, prompting panic on the streets and requiring much effort on the part of the Delta's staff to re-capture the horses.

Daelin, fourteen, was caught just after he attempted to escape from the paddock, and is being held by the city guard. He has said only that ‘friends dared me to do it’, and seems quite frightened. It has not yet been determined what punishment he will face.

All the horses were eventually safely returned to the paddock.

"There was no real harm done here," said Angelia, a guard on the case. "But it caused quite a stir, and folks were diving out of harm’s way as the horses bolted down the streets. It could have been much worse."

Tirian

"It keeps me warm, makes my waist look slender, and even prevented me from hurting myself when I took a spill ice-blading, " explains Lady Miralana Lantrimone, an advocate of winter’s newest fashion—the bustle.

"The bustle is back in style, and in a big way, "claims Madame Tillary, the seamstress responsible for this fashion rebirth. "They make women feel more feminine, hearkening back to older and more romantic days when women were treated with proper etiquette. And yet, they work for the new generation, too, as they are perfect for winter sleigh rides, sledding and ice-blading-- any of the invigorating activities of this time of year."

And indeed, Madame Tillary has a waiting list for her bustled gowns, some of which are so extreme that carriage drivers are complaining.

"There were four young noblegirls all wanting a ride to the ice sculpture gardens," says Sian, "and we could barely fit them all in the carriage, their behinds were so voluminous!"

While some say this is simply a passing fad, others hope the style stays around.

"Bustles make you feel like a queen," comments Amber, a server at a small Merchant District café who sewed her own bustled dress after realizing she couldn’t afford one of Madame Tillary’s. "Mine’s not as elaborate, but many people still remark how regal it looks. In fact, I’m thinking of doing a side business sewing commoner versions at more reasonable prices."

And speaking of queens, Madame Tillary is supposedly at work on a bustled creation for Queen Lillian, who will reportedly wear the finished garment during this year’s ‘Winter Magic’ Parade.

"It has a very large bustle, the largest I’ve yet created," says Madame Tillary, "and has a train that is fifteen arms long. It’s magnificent!"

Be sure to get a good spot along Palace Way so you can catch a glimpse of winter’s latest fashion modeled by our very own Queen!

Tania

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