First Passage of the Snow Moon

Lady Lorna and Lord Niall, the regents of Jalpa, have announced the birth of a baby girl.

"The rumors have been around for a couple of years now," said Tenina, Jalpa’s emissary to Aranor. "But we’re proud to say it’s official."

The baby girl was given the name of Menara. An official party is being held next moon to celebrate the event, and a public celebration is being held a few days later.

As to whether this is the first of many children? They aren’t saying. An interesting change from times when it was necessary for royalty to have a son to hand the title to.

Perhaps in thirty years, then, it will be Lady Menara who is regent of Jalpa.

Lord Kieran

The man calls himself ‘Kajiij’, a name which means ‘insect’ in Japuran. He and his traveling band of three women performers are bringing one of the strangest performances in Carador to Aranor.

Kajiij’s Menagerie brings bugs from all over the world to show to onlookers. His three companions hold the creatures, many of which do not look like they should be held.

A host of odd creatures makes up the Menagerie – among the stars of the show are giant earthworms, Koo Beetles (as large as a fist, they can fold themselves into a roundish shell), Bellflies (small creatures, only rarely found in the Old World, which emit small, clear sounds as they fly), and a Nurin Beetle (a huge Moraithian beetle, the size of a small dog, with a long protuberance it uses to suck the juices out of its prey).

Giant centipedes and spiders will also be on display.

The presentation will be held at the Museum of Aranor next An Tiné. Although the Menagerie usually makes it a point to stay in warm temperatures, Kajiij is confident that Aranor’s weather will remain mild.

Entrance to the presentation will cost thirty silver, and it will run three times during the day. Then the Menagerie will move south to Jalpa.

Tania

A young boy by the name of Kaenen had quite an adventure last An Sel.

"He’s always been over adventurous," said his mother. "I think we need a leash for him."

On a dare made by a group of girls, the seven year old Kaenen climbed up one of the highest trees in Aranor.

"These trees are big enough so that five people can stand around them and join hands – they’ll be lucky if their fingertips are touching." This from Aryn, one of the guardsmen on the scene.

"There are no branches for quite a ways, but the bark is thick and rough enough that you could make it up there if you really wanted."

Apparently Kaenen really wanted to. He made it about half-way up the tree before he looked down and froze.

"I couldn’t even move," said Kaenen. "I think one of those girls made a spell on me."

Guardsmen had to hook up riggings and scale the tree in order to bring Kaenen safely down. Even with ropes and gear, the climb was dangerous.

"It’s not something I’d like to try again," said Aryn. "But that’s the joy of being a guard."

Kaenen was safely reunited with his family at the bottom of the tree.

Tirian

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