Tivili is in the Air!

Although an official announcement from the Emperor's Keep has yet to be released, the streets of Dreven are buzzing with the news of the coming tivili celebration. Traditionally an elven celebration for the coming of spring as well as of life and renewal, the line of Dreven has long decreed that any celebration of his people would be his as well.

It is a seven-day long course of festivities with much show and competition in the streets, during which lovers who have held their commitment to each other in secret announce their Chosen, their mate for life. But this coming tivili, the word is that the holiday will end with a grand ball, thrown by the Emperor himself!

Many say that this is to quell all speculations and rumors that the Emperor Dreven was horrifically deformed in his battle with the redcap, that in making an appearance in this grand gathering, he would remind his people of his Imperial presence, as well as his fitness to rule in full scrutiny of those around him. Countless nobilities and barons are already flocking to the Emperor's City in preparation, and many look forward to appearance of the six Arch-Mages as well.

The main street of Dreven is already undergoing a massive cleanup by the Keep's servants, in readying for the large influx of merchants.

Outlander Tendress Arrested

Crosswinds Tavern bartendress Zharyka Jelahldoran was arrested recently, in connection with an outbreak of violence on the Tavern premises. According to witnesses, Miss Jelahldoran used some Outlander form of Pyromancy on one Jorn Dagar, a mercenary.  Sources close to the half-elfin bartendress say that the attack was in response to the mercenary's threats against Miss Jelahldoran as well as in retaliation for Anna Little's alleged beating at the hands of Dagar. The 'tendress herself insists she didn't mean to hurt the man, she only meant to frighten him into leaving her unharmed.

Regardless of the accused's intent, Dagar was severely burned during the attack, and had to be carried from the Tavern's common room that evening. He has since disappeared and could not be reached for comment.

Miss Jelahldoran has been a tendress at the Crosswinds since her arrival in Lyran Tal, approximately seven cycles ago. Many of the regulars at the Tavern have expressed their concern and even anger over the arrest, insisting that the popular Miss Jelahldoran acted in self-defense. One patron, who declined to be named, even went so far as to observe that Miss Jelahldoran "should've kilt that fiend for what he did to Anna Little."

A trial date has not yet been set.

A Glimpse Behind the Walls

Even with the buzzing rumors of the Emperor's Ball, the Emperor himself has yet to make a formal appearance, nor grant any audience to the nobilities that are still turned away at the gates. Some have speculated that this is to heighten the anticipation of his appearance at the Ball itself, but many nobilities and barons seem to be running out of patience.

The Taysàyad Keep is almost fully restored to its prewar splendor, the repairs having been an ongoing project throughout the winter. But due to security reasons, and of this the Weaponsmaster and the Lord General Niliahas is unbending in their decision, the Ball will strictly be invitation only. All the attendees must obtain a clearance and invitation through the Magistrate of Dreven.

The lines are already reported to be forming around the Magistrate's office at the break of dawn.

The local druid states that the next seven-days hold scattered showers and thunderstorms, with only few dry days of dark grey clouds and strong winds from the west in between. The frost of winter has completely melted away, leaving much sludge and mud in its wake, and sturdy cloaks and hardy boots are still advised for travelers.

The subsequent seven-days hold more scattered showers, but dying winds and slowly warming temperatures. Will the rains clear away in time for tivili?

Cleaners Wanted

The merchants and nobilities are flocking alike to the capital city of Dreven in preparation for the upcoming tivili. The preparation of the main street of Dreven is lagging sorely behind, and the Magistrate is asking for more recruits to help out in the project. This is a happy coincidence for the many villagers who also fled into Dreven from the outskirts that have been ravaged by the demon war, and subsequently found themselves unemployed and without the means to support themselves. Many new arrivals are finding employment with the cleaning crew with ease, and some Dreven City natives fear that after the tivili, the overpopulation will only rebound with more unemployed citizens.

Seamstress Wanted

With all the nobilities arriving into Dreven at the first unofficial news of the Emperor's Ball, it seems there will be a shortage of silks and seamstresses on the horizon. Some lords and ladies have come prepared with their own train of rich wardrobes, but many have not, and they are eager to spend their wealth seeking out the best of seamstresses, and the most softest of silks.

Those that may not be so fortunate to have a noble's name and wealth to hire a seamstress, who are now suddenly in high demand and charging overmuch for their services, should look early and fast, for they may be finding themselves out of luck as well as proper attire for the grand ball.

With the coming of tivili... one would expect love and joy in the air! But something tells me that there must be something in the water, for strange occurrences have been witnessed lately. Necromancers and Vivomancers socializing over drinks, Silver Moon Knights attacking each other, and one of my top ten bachelors actually being left in the dust. If you cannot believe your eyes, just read on...

Black and White

Demons, goblins, black knights.. O my! Recently a member of the infamous Balthazoran knights, the Black Branch, has been spotted keeping comfort in the Crosswinds tavern with none other than the Arch Magess of Vivomancy, Annabella Morningstar. While the two seemed to be getting along swimmingly, one has to wonder what has drawn this Balthazoran export so far from home? It seems that the knight -- going by the name Lad Partaene -- has been eagerly pursuing most any, and every, Silver Moon Knight in an attempt to gain audience with the Emperor. As to the reason? That remains to be seen.

Knights Running Amok!

Speaking of the Silver Moon Knights, let us return to an aberrant point in history, as I take you a cycle back... to the news that the ever pleasant and cordial Sir Samuel Courescant actually attacked his brother in public, right in the middle of the Crosswinds Tavern common room. Much conjecture and speculations were made by this incident, but we all assumed it was an isolated event.

Well, if strange spirits be brewing in the waters, the younger son of the House of Courescant certainly seemed to have imbibed, and plenty of it. It was reported that Samuel, known to be one of quiet intelligence (and ever handsome features), continued along in his uncharacteristic path of aggression and conflict. While on the practice field Sir Samuel had systematically challenged each Knight of his squadron to a duel, soundly trouncing each, one by one. That is, of course, until he faced his fifth (and final) competitor, Sir William Darkem -- a rather large specimen of a man. This last spar did not end quite so well for Sir Samuel, who unceremoniously had his arse whipped, as evidenced by his noticeable wince with each movement when the Knights came to the Crosswinds that night.

Another Silver Moon noted that night, that Sir Samuel seemed preoccupied, both on and off the practice field. Could it be related to the selfsame Knight's observation that Sir Samuel's excitement at being reunited with his lady love Mechella was considerably dampened following the brawl with his brother?

And speak of the devil! The artist Mechella d'Virte did arrive that same night, just in time to nurse the ailing Sir Samuel back to health. However, reports indicate that the reunion was less than passionate, the two standing in the Tavern awkwardly, exchanging but a few words. One observant bystander even witnessed Sir Samuel retreat from Mechella's touch. But before you rush to erase the line through Sir Samuel's name on the Eligible Bachelor's List, dear ladies, be aware that the two were seen sitting in the tavern to a very late hour, for they were still at the bar when the last patron left. Perhaps discussing Mechella's alleged transgression? Or perhaps making plans for the coming Tivili? We shall see...

A Lone Dagger

And here is one man who certainly will NOT be making any plans for the tivili... it was reported by many witnesses, that the local jewelmaker, Rhia Dreamsinger, has broken her engagement to the rumored "Dagger of Dreven," Jhered Kenafyn. It seems the "Dagger" isn't the only one who is skilled in exercising painful efficiency, for our seemingly emotional and often "injury-bound" lass had carried out the breakup by returning their symbol of commitment to each other, to the Crosswinds Donation Box!

That very same night, Rhia was seen sharing comforts with another man, Aeolus Corindu, Loremaster of the Order of the Rising Sun. All I can say is... Dagger, that must have hurt. Ouch.

Bail Notice

By the Office of the Magistrate, with the consent and mercy of the Court of Dreven, the recently accused and confessed female by the name of Zharyka Jelahldoran to the crime of attempted murder, is granted bail pending full payment, under the following conditions. The citizens of Dreven are hereby notified of her pending release. Notify the Office of the Magistrate should any of the conditions of bail below be broken by the accused party.

~The accused will released with the bail payment of five thousand in gold. Any infringement on the conditions of bail will result in foregoing of the gold.

~ A self-appointed patron of the accused, hereby declared to be Iannon Destyranos, shall also sign a statement of reliability, and shall fall under the same eye of the law should any conditions be broken.

~The accused is restricted to the grounds that entitles the Crosswinds Tavern, and for the duration of bail, until the commencement of the trial, the accused is not to leave the walls of the Crosswinds Tavern. A daily visit will be made by the Office of the Magistrate to insure the accused confinement to the establishment aforementioned.

~Bail shall be revoked without compensation, should the accused fall under suspicion of any crimes or even misdemeanors while awaiting her hearing. If she is charged, even by a common citizen, she will be placed once again under arrest without bail.

~The accused cannot bear or hold any weapon whatsoever. Not even for self-defense. Should she be involved in any altercation without arms, bail will also be revoked. No exceptions.

~The accused must wear a Band of Release, to allow recognition by the common public as well as any law official, of her state of release on Bail. This Band should be easily seen by all, for it is a bracelet of woven reed, colored in dark red. It should be worn on the right wrist, and uncovered at all times. Should the accused be found without the Band of Release upon her wrist, the bail will be instantly revoked.

~Should the accused be found outside the set establishment of confinement anytime before her hearing, anyone is allowed to use any means to bring her back to the Office of the Magistrate, and a reward is automatically placed upon her head and her bail will be revoked.

~Due to his involvement in the initial crime, the Vivomancer Iannon Destyranos, is forbidden upon the ground of Crosswinds Tavern, until the commencement of the trial. Should the accused be seen with the man in question within the period of release, the bail will be revoked.

~Should the bail be revoked for any of the reasons listed above, the patron who initially claimed responsibility will also fall under review by the legal office.

The Magistrate of Dreven
Arman Ban-Triam