The Oracle
First Passage of the Melting Moon
Ice Formations Reveal Caves
As the Melting Moon dawns upon us, water melts and re-freezes to create spectacular icicles on Aranor's homes. A similar process has revealed some interesting caves along the sea-route from Aranor to Jalpa.
"The water is trickling out of these caverns and freezing into great globs that trail down the cliffs," says Mirabelle, a sailor-turned-explorer. "They are much too high to ordinarily be reached, but with spiked boots and special axes, I hope to lead a party up the ice and into the caves."
Most would call such a prospect foolhardy at best, but Mirabelle hopes to discover the legendary cliff-caverns north of Jalpa where great treasures were hidden by pirates during the earliest days of the Old World.
"If nothing else, we'll have some good caving and quite a bit of adventure getting up there," she said.
The ice formations have also gained some business for the numerous outfits running tours up and down the shores, as the ice is mysteriously tinted by colors of red and orange from the caves. Mirabelle suggests that the colors from the treasure might be 'running' into the ice, giving it the strange but beautiful tints.
Tania
'Vision' Comes to the Old World
Moraithe has sprouted yet another interesting troupe -- this one called Vision. Vision is a group of eight individuals who combine what they call 'statue acrobatics' with 'crystal dancing'. The effect is that the eight members arrange themselves into impossible-looking formations, hold their bodies still, and all the while 'dance' crystal balls over their hands. The effect is said to be mesmerizing.
Although they are becoming enormously popular, they have refused all offers to perform at the courts, and want to keep their act a street performance in the tradition of the old troubadours. Thus they will be staying in Aranor for the space of a moon, performing four or five times a week at random places throughout the city. Each district will host numerous visits, so you're sure to have a chance to see them perform.
Vision makes their gold purely by donations -- they ask that if you like their show you leave some gold in their hat after the performance. Otherwise there is no admission charged.
Vision is hoping to arrive in Aranor within the next two passages, and will begin their performances soon after. Look for them!
Tirian
Contingent of Borderguard Missing
Twelve men, all belonging to Rilhaven's Borderguard, have been officially reported as missing. Some fear that this could signal the beginning of renewed violence between Rilhaven and Maelmuire.
"These were seasoned fighters and woodsmen," said Jaren, one of the Borderguard Captains. "The best of the best. They were on routine scouting duty near the Maelmuire border when they disappeared."
Searchers discount the possibility that the men were lured away by some sort of fae -- the explanation for many recent missing woodsfolk in the Old and New Worlds. They say that they have found evidence of a 'scuffle', and the only tracks present are human and booted. Curiously, there was no sign of blood.
"This is clearly the work of the Maelmuirians," said Jaren. "They must have overcome the Borderguard's own magicians with magic of their own. We're sending official documents to Maelmuire asking for an explanation for the missing men, and still hope to recover them. The lack of blood at least suggests that they weren't immediately killed."
While Rilhaven is weak from numerous travails, Maelmuire has been quietly building its forces. Although it claims that this is only for self-protection, Rilhaven, Faol, and Casara have all voiced fears that the Maelmuirians might be planning an attack.
Lord Kieran
To the Oracle Collection-- Third Year