Third Passage of the Dark Moon

The end of last passage culminated in the celebration of Maya’s Spring, the festival inviting back the warmth of summer. This year, the streets of Aranor were filled with celebrants from all over the province partaking in such activities as ice blading, snow dyeing, ice and snow sculpture, dancing, sledding, and even snow rolling (that’s where a few crazy people dressed in summertime clothes roll around in the snow and then go jump into a heated bath)!

"We wanted to draw people to the city during the winter moons, and this was the perfect way to do it," said Lord Moritan, head of the Aranorian Council of Festivals and Celebrations. "Our hope is to bring people of the Old World together through common themes of celebration, such as the anticipation of springtime."

Visitors and citizens alike were delighted with the day’s festivities. "It’s fun to see the city so filled with people and color," said Litah, a resident of the Merchant District. "The most surprising thing happened to me, too. I went home in the early afternoon to change into warmer sledding clothes, and when I emptied out my purse, I found a glittering red gemstone inside. I have no idea where it came from, but I’m going to take it to the jeweler’s tomorrow."

Litah is not the only person in the city to claim of such a surprise. At least seven other people found sparkling red gemstones in their pouches or purses. No one can explain where the stones have come from, or if they are real. Most people I talked with felt that perhaps the city, or a generous and wealthy individual, was responsible for slipping such good fortune into their pockets. But one man had another opinion.

"Maya’s Spring is about the joy and beauty of Maya’s creation; it’s our day to tell Maya that we need her and we need the warmth of her love. I have no doubt that these gemstones are a gift from the most precious deity of all."

On that note, let’s wish for an early spring!

Tirian

Word has been traveling in with sailors from Moraithe that a giant mountain dragon has been seen multiple times flying over the coasts of Moraithe.

Although the creature has been spotted soaring far out over the ocean waters, many Moraithians fear that the dragon will soon make a strike of some sort. Some are even linking the dragon’s sightings and the recent Tirané raids to a common source.

Duke Amasay has yet to take an official stance on the dragon’s presence, but he did issue a statement several passages ago urging all Moraithians to remain alert, but to stay calm and to go about life as usual.

When asked how he felt about the dragon sightings, a Moraithian sailor, Terr, had this to say: "The world’s been changing in strange ways. There are a lot more Fae sightings, a lot more things to be cautious of when you’re out on the seas. But I think that if that dragon wanted to come down and harm us, it would’ve done so already. If we show respect to these mysterious and powerful creatures, well, perhaps there’s something good that they’ll show us in return."

Until further word comes in from Moraithe, let’s hope that Terr’s wisdom holds true.

Lord Kieran

Aranor’s first fashion contest was a huge success. Held in Lady Yalayna’s extravagant ballroom, more than one hundred and fifty participants gathered to peruse some of the Known Lands’ most influential and daring creations.

"It was supremely decadent," was Lady Karela D’Malle’s comment, when asked her opinion on the entire affair. Lady D’Malle, a retired designer from Lantrielle and famous for her risqué use of lace and satin in high fashion, felt the contest was "nothing short of inspirational. I’m afraid I may have to step back into the realm of design once again. I wish we would do something of this scope in my own province!"

But Lady D’Malle was not the only renowned guest to grace the audience—Lord Cowan Faol was also present, along with the Queen of Aranor herself.

And who won? The contest was a tie between two sisters: Lady Kara and Lady Milene Raverre. Not only were they handed the 100,000 silver purse, but Queen Lillian stepped forward and requested that the sisters create a piece for her together.

"This is the best idea!" This comment came from one of the youngest guests of the day, a thirteen year old girl called Lily. "What a great way for little known artists to come together and to have a way to make their dreams come true!" When asked what her favorite part of the show was, Lily replied "I loved all the outfits—it would be so hard to choose! But my favorite part of all was still the gel dessert that Cowan Faol made for everybody!"

Special desserts aside, be on the lookout for some fascinating new fashion creations soon to be dotting the streets of Aranor.

Tania

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