Fourth Passage of the Harvest Moon

One group is called 'The Dragonslayers', and was making a name for themselves killing large dragons for provinces that are in need. Moraithe was their last stop, where they killed a jungle dragon that was allegedly destroying crops in some of the plantations.

The other group is called 'Back to the Dragon ', and they've been making a name for themselves protecting faeriekin worldwide.

The two groups clashed, quite spectacularly, on the docks of Aranor on the morning of last An Aran.

The Dragonslayers, consisting of sixteen members, were arriving for a holiday in Aranor. Queen Lillian had already denied them the right to dragon-hunt on the Old World. And Back to the Dragon decided to meet them on the docks.

"Back to the Dragon is usually quite subtle," said Yalaya, the mistress of Lord Cowan Faol and the alleged financial backing behind the group. "They were just surprised this time and took action in a fury of passion."

Back to the Dragon consists of only six individuals, so at first glance the endeavor was foolish, but as blades came loose, magic lit the morning, and the guards ran to break up the fray. It was clear that Back to the Dragon wasn't playing any games. What might have been intended as a message of unwelcome for The Dragonslayers turned into actual bloodshed, and soon The Dragonslayers' ship was on fire, two guards were down with injuries, and The Dragonslayers were scattering, three of their members mortally wounded. Back to the Dragon managed to board their own caravel and sail from the docks.

Yalayna is being questioned, but claims no responsibility for the group's actions. Considering her affiliation with Cowan Faol, it is unlikely that any actions will be taken against her. The Dragonslayers? They've taken their wounded ship and sailed for safer lands.

Tirian

The Old World has been in a state of celebration, with more to come. This year's harvest has been better than ever, and the last of the crops -- mostly winter squash -- are being brought in for sale in the cities.

Since Queen Lillian's arrival, the Old World has been blessed with bountiful harvests. While most suggest that this is due to the happiness of the peasants or the new temple in Aranor erected in Edana's honor, there are rumors that magic and sorcery are the reason.

Whether it is the attitude, the deities, or magic seems to matter little to the common folk, who are all too happy to have more food and more gold. It is only a few nobles, most with ties to the Last of the True Nobles, who seem to be complaining.

The final harvest festival will be held next An Maad, and will end with an 'Old Squash' contest in which contestants will hurl rotten squash at each other.

Peasants are encouraging the citizens of Aranor to stock up on winter vegetables, since rumors are floating about that this winter will be among the coldest and snowiest since Aranor was founded.

Tania

 In a move that many say proves the Emperor of Jedda's health is failing, he officially declared war 'upon all provinces outside the shores of Irutoka', and then, the next day, revoked his declaration.

Although ships and soldiers were never called to the ready, his strange pronouncement caused a huge stir among his advisors and councilors.

"The Emperor has been mentally inept ever since he lost the battle with the Empress," said Kosha, a follower of Jeddan politics who advises Queen Lillian. "He's been making rash decisions based upon his anger and frustration. This is simply another example of his inadequacies."

The Emperor is not extremely old, but has, according to Kosha, experienced a number of events that 'would break the normal person'. There is, after this latest mistake, talk of finding a new Emperor. While the process is not well understood, it is clear that the current Emperor would be killed if he is unable to stay at his post throughout the length of his normal life.

We will, of course, keep our readers informed.

Lord Kieran

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