Fourth Passage of the Plowing Moon

In a gesture of goodwill from the new King of Masalla, King Avorine, who took the throne after his father’s death last Plowing Moon, the official hour will visit the cities of Selarum, Jalpa, Aranor, and Liramelle. In plainer terms, this means that an official from Masalla, one Lord Anthony Karaan, will be bringing a sandglass that has been precisely timed off of the ‘official’ sandglass in Masalla. Members of the "Time Holders’ Guild", an inter-provincial guild, will have a chance to mark the timing of their own sandglasses against the official one.

Although intended as an act of goodwill, some people on the street are finding insult in the gesture.

"What do the Masallans think?" said a man along Palace Way, who asked not to be named. "That their hour is better than ours? Everyone knows that there is no ‘real’ hour – this is just another example of Masallan righteousness."

Still, the official reaction is good, and Queen Lillian is planning a welcome reception for Lord Karaan.

Lord Kieran

Now that spring has arrived and the ground is warm, people are finding their way to Gwynned to settle in yet another land that promises free or cheap housing, and a new chance at life.

Though Gwynned officially opened to settlement moons ago, only a few hardy souls ventured down during the winter. Now entire cities, abandoned four years ago when a strange breed of animal ravaged the isle, are opening their doors and streets.

"We’re delighted with the reaction," said Emilia, Shara Brae’s ambassador to Aranor. "Each of the provinces of Gwynned is experiencing rapid growth, but Shara Brae is especially lucky in that we’re the northernmost port, and our reputation as a beautiful, exciting city is swiftly spreading."

Sages are eagerly watching the happenings in Gwynned, anxious to see how six provinces in such close proximity can manage to co-exist.

"In the beginning, each province will be doing its best to attract citizens," says Lady Emily of Illumination. "This year will be a critical time for establishing trade and a means of support for each major city. I’m excited to see how things go!"

Look for an upcoming Treatise by Illumination outlining the most recent developments on the isle.

Tania

Go down to the beach north of Aranor and you’ll see something a little different.

"It’s just a bunch of sticks stuck in the ground," said Matthew, one of the onlookers. But the key is that you need a vantage.

"My first sculpture is to honor the Great Wyrms, who are re-entering our world," said Miki, the young Jeddan woman who creates the art. "If you go up to the High Tower or the lookout at Tynan’s Temple, you’ll see what I’m making."

I took myself up to the High Tower to see for myself. The vision was almost mesmerizing. By placing sticks in the sand, Miki gives the illusion of a very realistic dragon sprawled on the beach. This is no mere outline, but an intricately detailed sculpture that captures your amazement.

This sculpture took her three days of constant work, and although she built it above the high tide line, the first storm will probably destroy it.

"I will continue creating them," she says, "for the enjoyment and honor of all the citizens of Aranor."

I, for one, can’t wait to see what’s next.

Tirian