Covering Heathfield, Ballicastle, Tyremoor, Innis Daingneach, Kildare, Hedgebrier, surrounding areas and Allies.     Issue 11-07

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The Kingdom of Kildare continues to grow and recover from the years of oppression and fear. Families that had fled the realm are beginning to return.  The harvest this year was plentiful thanks to seeds supplied from the other realms. Homes and shops are being built and finished before winter sets in.  The livestock sent continues to thrive and has expanded the herds.

There are still smaller dukedoms who have not rejoined Kildare though negotiations with some have been progressing.  Shipping is beginning to pick up and more and more goods are coming into the port.  Timber will be a big export in the years to come as some trees are harvested and others planted to take their place.  The soil is fertile and it may be possible that cash crops will be grown in the future that will help the economy.  Ginseng promises to be a likely crop in the as well as the wool of Kildare sheep.  King Leoric and Prince Regent Gaidan McLarkin wish to express their thanks to all who have contributed to the rebuilding of Kildare and will include more updates in the future.  --submitted by Gaidan McLarkin

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There were several events held by neighboring kingdoms in October which were attended by citizens of our realm.   On October 5th, the kingdom of Salaria held a archery contest in conjunction with a Gypsy Carnivale.  It well attended with Brogan and Kyle Frasier representing Heathfield.  Captain Adrian Frasier joined them as the event ended.   Kyle took part in the archery event and though he didn't place, he had a grand time.    The Gypsy Carnivale was colorful and greatly enjoyed by one and all.

On the 18th, a Halloween Trivia Night was held at the Stargazer Inn in Devonshires.  Most attended in costume.  There were crystal balls to help with some of the questions.  Brogan Fraiser and Michael Cunningham attended the event and though they didn't participate in the trivia they enjoyed the company and the food and drink.

On October 25, Fright Night was held in Telarus.  An annual event, participants could put together a knight's corpse, attempt to wake a monster and a fortune teller.  Brothers Edward and Joseph McAndrews attended.   There were ghastly drinks and food for all to enjoy as well as various ghosts and ghouls.   In the end, the brothers tied for second place. --submitted by Kyle Frasier


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Healer's Touch
by Samantha Golden

Blackberry - If your acquaintance with blackberry is confined to jam and jelly, it's time to branch out. You have to look to the whole bush to benefit from its full potential. The blackberry bush was once highly prized for its medicinal leaves, bark and roots as it was for its sweet fruit. Today, however, blackberry has fallen from healing fashion, replaced by its close botanical relative, raspberry. It's time to bring back blackberry. Externally it may help treat wounds, and internally, it's a tasty treatment for mouth sores, sore throat and diarrhea.

Goutberry: The ancient Greeks used blackberry to treat gout. They were the only people to use the herb as a treatment for this disorder, but Greek medicine was so influential in Europe that well into the 18th century, the herb was called goutberry. The ancient Chinese used the unripe berries to treat kidney problems, urinary incontinence, and impotence. The Romans chewed the leaves and bark for bleeding gums and drank a decoction for diarrhea. Tenth century Arab physicians considered the fruit an aphrodisiac (it isn't.).

An Excellent Syrup: During the Middle Ages, blackberry leaves were applied to the skin to soothe burns and scalds. In his influencial Herbal, 17th century English Herbalist Nicholas Culpeper called the herb "very binding" and good for fevers, ulcers, putrid sores of the mouth and secret parts (genitals), spitting blood (tuberculosis), piles (hemorrhoids), stones of the kidney, too much flowing of women's courses (menstruation), and hot distempers of the head, eyes and body.  The American Eclectic physicians recommended a preparation made from the fruit as "and excellent syrup which is of much service in dysentery, being pleasant to the taste, mitigating the sufferings of the patient, and ultimately effecting a cure." They also recommended blackberry leaves for gonorrhea, vaginal discharges, recovery from childbirth and "cholera infantum" -- and old term for infant infectious diarrhea, which, in the days before antibiotics, was often fatal and still in many parts of the world.

Healing with Blackberry: Contrary to the claims of Nicholas Culpeper, blackberry in any form doesn't do much for the genitals, but it is a tasty remedy for several common ills. Diarrhea: Blackberry's high tannin content makes it quite astringent and supports its traditional use as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery. Wounds: Tannin's astringent action helps constrict blood vessels and stop minor bleeding. This action would tend to explain the traditional external use of the herb to treat wounds. Blackberry thorns often cause minor cuts, so it's nice to know first aid is close at hand. Mouth Sores, Sore Throat: Enjoy some of the sweet ripe berries. Their astringent tannins might help. Hemorrhoids: The astringent nature of the blackberry may explain its traditional use as a hemorrhoid treatment. Intriguing Possibilities: One animal study shows that a strong infusion of blackberry leaves reduces blood sugar levels in diabetic rabbits, suggesting possible value in management of diabetes. Research has shown that blackberry's close relative, raspberry, relaxes the uterus. Women might try blackberry for painful menstrual cramps. For otherwise healthy, nonpregnant, nonursing adults, blackberry is safe in amounts typically recommended. Blackberry should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If blackberry causes minor discomforts such as nausea or vomiting, use less or stop using it.  --Taken from The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman


Life Around Here

The full scent of autumn is in the air as the leaves continue to fall blanketing the earth in a rich mulch. What had lived has died only to bring life renewed once winter is done and spring comes anew. Many are canning the summer's bounty and stocking up their storehouses with food to last them through winter's cold. Excess leaves burned adding to the scents that fill the air. Children making piles to play in that will soon be replaced by snow. The days cooler find couples huddled together, a quicker step taken. The Rangers have seen to the cabins through out the lands that they are stocked in case of a blizzard and anyone stranded. The bounty has been plentiful as surplus was sent to the castle in case of any emergency, including those of allied lands that we could offer assistance in the coming months.

Donations are being taken for the orphanage and those who have less to see them through the upcoming months. Baskets filled with various foods and baked goods will be delivered to families on Thanksgiving so that they too can join in tradition of giving thanks. No matter how wealthy, no matter how poor, each has something to be thankful for. --submitted by Lahoneee


Births: None this month. Marriages: None this month. Engagements: None this Month. Deaths: None this Month. Citizenship: Please welcome Susannah Harkness.


Superstitions
by Athalia Doe Edan

Fingers Crossed - By making the sign of the Christian faith with our fingers, evil spirits would be prevented from destroying our chances of good fortune. Good Luck: Knock on Wood - It was believed that good spirits lived in trees, and that by knocking on anything made from wood, we could call upon these spirits for protection against misfortune. Good Luck: Saying God Bless You When Somebody Sneezes. When the great plague swept Europe., sufferers began sneezing violently which was a sign of death. The Pope therefore passed a law requiring people to bless the sneezer. At the same time, it was expected that anybody sneezing would cover their mouth with a cloth or their hand. This was obviously to stop the spreading of the disease, but many believed that it was to keep the soul intact. Sneezing 'into the air' would allow the soul to escape and death would be imminent. Up until this time, the opposite was true. Those who sneezed were congratulated, as it was believed that a violent sneeze would expel evil from their bodies.

Good Luck: A robin flying into the house * Good Luck: Sneezing 3 times before breakfast * Good Luck: Meeting 3 sheep * Good Luck: Looking at the new moon over your right shoulder * Good Luck: A 4-leaf clover * Good Luck: Spilling wine while proposing a toast * Good Luck: Putting a dress on inside out * Good Luck: 9 peas in a pea pod * Good Luck: Hearing crickets singing * Good Luck: Picking up a pin Dropping a glove * Good Luck: A horseshoe Peacock feathers * Good Luck: Cutting your hair during a storm


OTHER LIFE FORMS

Ogres -- Ogres often trade on their strength, despite having better than average intelligence. The live as scavengers, bullying humans and other faeries into giving up their food, land, and wealth. Luckily, ogres are both vain and lazy, attitudes that often lead to their downfall.

Descended from giants, ogres are quite large in their natural form. They have the ability to shape-shift into creatures both smaller and larger than themselves, but they then share the strengths and limitations of each. In order to shift into a form, the ogre must have previously seen the creature it wishes to become, and it can only remain in that guise for a limited duration. In the fable "Puss and Boots," written in the eighteenth century, the clever Puss outsmarts on nasty, conniving ogre by convincing him to turn into a mouse.

Ogres are solitary creatures and it would be highly unusual to see more than one in the same place. Abandoned mansions, factories, hospitals, and other massive, isolated buildings may house ogres. They find such places more to scale for their size.

Horn-like projections grow from their heads. The older individuals have a spectacular rack of horns. Some ogres dress very lavishly, others prefer simpler attire. Here he is holding a goblet made from a Unicorn's horn. Many species had six or seven digits on each hand and foot.  -- submitted by Kathleen Frasier - from Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide. Everyone should have one!


November - Giving Thanks

November is the eleventh  and penultimate month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of four Gregorian months with the length of 30 days. November begins in western tropical astrology with the sun in the sign of Scorpio (astrology) and ends in the sign of Sagittarius (astrology).  Astronomically speaking, the sun actually begins in the constellation of Libra, passes through Scorpius from approximately the 24th through the 29th and ends in the constellation of Ophiuchus, which is the only zodiacal constellation that is not associated with an astrological sign.   In Latin, novem means "nine". November was also the ninth month in the Roman calendar until a monthless winter period was divided between January and February.  In old Japanese calendar, the month is called Shimo tsuki (霜月).  As part of the seasonal calendar November is the time of the 'Snow Moon' according to Pagan beliefs and the period described as the 'Moon of the Falling Leaves' by Black Elk.

Samhain:  "This association of death with fertility provided the theological background for a great number of end-of-harvest festivals celebrated by many cultures across Eurasia.  Like Samhain, these festivals (which, for example, included the rituals of the Dyedy (“Ancestors”) in the Slavic countries and the Vetrarkvöld festival in Scandinavia) linked the successful resumption of the agricultural cycle (after a period of apparent winter “death”) to the propitiation of the human community’s dead.  The dead have passed away from the social concerns of this world to the primordial chaos of the Otherworld where all fertility has its roots, but they are still bound to the living by ties of kinship.  It was hoped that, by strengthening these ties precisely when the natural cycle seemed to be passing through its own moment of death, the community of the living would be better able to profit from the energies of increase that lead out of death back to life.  Dead kin were the Tribe’s allies in the Otherworld, making it certain that the creative forces deep within the Land were being directed to serve the needs of the human community.  They were, in Celtic terms, a “humanising”
factor within the Fomorian realm.

Whatever the specific elements had been that determined the proper date of the end-of-harvest honoring of the dead in various places, by the ninth and tenth centuries the unifying influence of the Church had led to concentrating the rituals on November 1st and November 2nd.  The first date was All Hallows, when the most spiritually powerful of the Christian community’s dead (the Saints) were invoked to strengthen the living community, in a way quite consistent with pre-Christian thought.  The second date, All Souls, was
added on (first as a Benedictine practice, beginning ca.  988) as an extension of this concept, enlarging it to include the dead of families and local communities.  Under the mantle of the specifically Christian observances, however, older patterns of ancestor veneration were preserved." -- Sinquanon's Journal, Samhain --
(http://www.egreenway.com/months/) -submitted by Mary Colleen McAndrews


Gathering Leaves
by Robert Frost

Spades take up leaves
No better than spoons,
And bags full of leaves
Are light as balloons. 

I make a great noise
Of rustling all day
Like rabbit and deer
Running away. 

But the mountains I raise
Elude my embrace,
Flowing over my arms
And into my face. 

I may load and unload
Again and again
Till I fill the whole shed,
And what have I then? 

Next to nothing for weight,
And since they grew duller
From contact with earth,
Next to nothing for color. 

Next to nothing for use.
But a crop is a crop,
And who's to say where
The harvest shall stop?

--submitted by Mary Colleen McAndrews

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November
by Clyde Watson

November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.

With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.

submitted by Angel O'Banain

Thanksgiving
by Edgar A Guest

Give me the end of the year an' its fun
When most of the plannin' an' toilin' is done;
Bring all the wanderers home to the nest,
Let me sit down with the ones I love best,
Hear the old voices still ringin' with song,
See the old faces unblemished by wrong,
See the old table with all of its chairs
An' I'll put soul in my Thanksgivin' prayers.

submitted by Riley McAndrews

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Did You Know?

The May Pole - Today dancing around the Maypole is usually done by schoolchildren, but the Maypole once symbolized cosmic order, upholding the very laws of the universe. May Day originally marked the start of summer and the renewal of the earth's fertility. This rite has been observed in many cultures; the Romans, for example, made sacrifices to Maia, mother of Mercury, on the first day of her month. The May Day that is still celebrated in numerous parts of Europe, however, replaced a pagan ceremony, the festival of Beltine, which was held at the mid-point of the Celtic year to honor the sun and the mother-goddess. Of the many May Day traditions, one of the most important is that of the Maypole. This relic of pagan tree worship originally represented the cosmic axis and the phallic power of the sky god. On May Day in medieval and Tudor England, villages cut branches from woodland trees and carried them back to their houses. These boughs would then be used for decoration, to symbolize the process of rebirth. One focus of the annual ritual was the May Tree or Maypole, a young tree that was stripped bare except for its top boughs, which were left in place to indicate new life. Adorned with flowers and ribbons, the tree was brought back to the village, and erected there to serve as a focus for May Day celebrations.  -- submitted by Samantha Golden (taken from Earth's Mysterious Places, Reader's Digest)

As with this tradition of bringing in boughs and whole trees, such is done for the Yuletide season soon to be celebrated on the heels of Thanksgiving. Many will start before the end of this month for such symbolic decorations. Pine and fir used of the trees that do not shed their summer foliage. Green symbolic of life that has not been lost to winter, only a hibernation such as the bears take to their caves to sleep the duration. Pine cones, preserved leaves and the like used for wreaths to be placed on doors in a reminder. -- submitted by Samantha Golden


RECIPES of the MONTH

Autumn Vegetable Pilaf

1  6- to 7.2-ounce package rice pilaf mix * 2  tablespoons olive oil * 2  cloves garlic, minced * 1  teaspoon dried thyme, crushed * 1  large sweet potato or carrot, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes * 1  medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch pieces * 1  small red onion, cut into wedges * 1/3  cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted * 1  tablespoon cider vinegar

Prep: 15 minutes. Roast 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400F. Cook rice pilaf mix according to package directions, except omit butter or oil. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the oil, garlic, and thyme. Add sweet potato, zucchini, and onion; stir to coat. Spread vegetables in a single layer in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.  Roast uncovered, in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are light brown and tender, stirring occasionally. Stir roasted vegetables, nuts, and vinegar into hot rice pilaf. Makes 6 servings. -- submitted by Sarah McDonough

Quick Candied Sweet Potatoes

In a large skillet, simmer together for 5 min 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tbs butter, dash cinnamon. Add 1-1/2, 2oz can sweet potatoes. Turn heat low; cook uncovered, turning occasionally, 15-20 min or until potatoes are well glazed. Or place potatoes in greased shallow baking pan; add syrup. Bake, uncovered turning now and then at 400F, 20 -25 min. Makes 5-6 servings. If recipe is doubled it will take longer. --Submitted by Teri MacKenzie Douglas

Applesauce Spice Cake

2 cups flour * 1 cup sugar * 1 tsp salt * 1 tsp cinnamon * 1/2 tsp nutmeg * 1/4 tsp cloves * 2 tsp baking soda * 1 cup raisins * 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) * 1/2 cup melted butter * 1 can applesauce

Sift together dry ingredients. Add raisins and melted butter and applesauce. Beat until well blended. Pour into greased and floured 9x9x2 or 11 3/4x7 1/2x2 inch pan. Bake 350, 40-50 minutes. Cool, ice with butter icing: 1 stick of butter softened adding enough milk alternating with confectioners flour and 1 tsp vanilla.  Double the recipe to fit a 13x9x2 pan -- submitted by Teri MacKenzie Douglas

Gingerbread Dough - Cookies/Houses

  8 cups unsifted flour * 2 tsp ground cinnamon * 2 tsp ground ginger * 1/2 tsp salt * 1 3/4 cups dark corn syrup * 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar * 3/4 cup butter

In a large bowl combine flour, cinnamon, ginger and salt. In 2 qt saucepan combine corn syrup, brown sugar, margarine over medium heat stirring occasionally until ingredients are well blended. Stir corn syrup mixture into flour mixture until well blended. Knead dough with your hands until it is smooth and even in color. Divide dough into 4 equal parts and wrap each in plastic wrap until ready to roll out. - Submitted by Teri MacKenzie Douglas

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Job Finder

Contact Draven MacShire for: Barrister needed. Chimney Sweeps. Cobbler store position available. Beauty Salon available. Chiropractor needed to set up shop. Consular needed. Martial Arts Instructor needed. Dentist needed to set up office. Another Bower needed. Barber shop available. Dance Instructor needed. Tattoo Parlor proprietor wanted.

Thanks to Job finder: Many positions are found every day from the needs of sailors and dock workers to shops and streamlined services. Any questions contact Draven MacShire


Lost And Found
~ Of all the things I've lost in life .... I miss my mind the most ~

Lost: One black and red striped knitted hat. Contact Anhur al-Azhar


Thoughts for the Month

"Knock knock!"    "Who's there?"  "Leena."  "Leena Who?"  "Leena little closer and I'll tell you."
"Knock knock!"  "Who's there?"  "Irish."  "Irish who?"  "Irish you'd let me in!"
-- submitted by Lei McAndrews
 
If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.  -Unknown
 
Best of all is it to preserve everything in a pure, still heart, and let there be for every pulse a thanksgiving, and for every breath a song. - Konrad von Gesner
-- submitted by Sara Devonshire

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Advertisements

Winter Scented and Hued Candles -  bayberry in red, minty-pine in green are specially priced to welcome winter. Fill your home with these invigorating scents for a good uplift. Ask for Kathleen Frasier or Samantha Golden at the Candle Shop.

Winter Arrangements Special: Carnations with frosted tree branches in silver and blue with sparkles, at Lisette's Floral Shop. Wedding bouquets, anniversaries or any occasion.

Benzaiten Imports - receives new shipments weekly. Special this month:  Masks for Halloween -- for all ages..  Hours are from 9:00 am to dusk. We are located in the warehouse district. Owners:  Alexander McDonough and Garath MacShire.

The Needle and Spool Clothier - Winter is fast approaching.  Order your holiday apparel early.  Velvets, heavy satin, brocades and velveteen have arrived.

The BookStop -  Winter will be soon here.  Start stocking up on favorite authors for those cold winter evenings.  Romance books half price through September.

Heathfield Orphanage - Gifts, food,  winter clothing and monetary offerings are greatly appreciated. Books in good shape are needed.  Inquire with Henna Barrett Suex with any questions.

McKnight Veterinary Clinic - at the McKnight estate in Heathfield. Donovan McKnight, DVM, and Katherine McKnight. We are trained in the treatment and care of all domestic and most exotic animals.  The estates are located just outside of Heathfield near Barrington Hospital.

Certain Somethings Shop - Special this month:  Fur lined gloves and cashmere shawls. Lovely wool cloaks have arrived for the colder weather.  Our items are made by artisans from the Realms and we also carry imported items.  Hours are from nine until four.

Herbal Delights - located in Barrington Hospital, has teas and tinctures available to fight off all manner of ailments. Specials this month are tinctures to fight off colds and prevent influenza.  Hours are from 9:00 am to dusk, with special openings as needed.

Sweet and Sassy Candy Shop - located just off the marketplace is having specials on chocolate Ghosts, pumpkins and Cats on a stick.  Haypenny candy available.

Leather Shop -  Now taking orders for leather coats for fall and winter. Choice of linings.  We also offer coats off the rack.  Free pair of wool lined gloves with each coat.

Deli Delights - Bring your sweetheart in for a slice of pie. Two for the price of one when you mention this ad. Kizzie Cohen

Butcher Shop - A pound at roast for half price when you mention this ad at the Butcher Shop. Open from Monday to Saturday from 9am til dusk. Ask for Ham Frasier.

Ceol m'anama (Music is my soul) Music shop - Carrying musical instruments, sheet music and more.  All sheet music is half priced.  Also on sale: flutes!

Blue Marlin Inn and Tavern - is running a special on turkey dinners throughout this whole month. Reduce rate includes a tankard of ale or a glass of wine. Marlana Cherill proprietor.

??? Question Corner ???

1. A good friend pulls off a well-conceived practical joke that plays on one of your foibles and makes you look ridiculous. How would you react?

2. By controlling medical research funds, you are in the position to guarantee that a cure will be found in 15 years for any disease you choose. Unfortunately, no progress on any others would be made during that period. Would you target one disease?

If you would like to reply and have it published in next month's issue, please submit the question with your answer to Lahoneee.


Monthly Horoscope

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- This will be an interesting month. I feel a little silly writing that after, you know, everything else that's been going on. And you may be thinking, wow, thanks, just what I need, another really interesting month. (I don't blame you if you're thinking you'd rather be reading the Jonathan Cainer horoscope right now, and if so, you can find it at http://www.cainer.com/). Well, this is a different species of interesting entirely. And you're learning a lot from the others, correct? The particular quality of focus that you're beginning to attain is extremely rare. You are wielding far more power than you know, take my word for it. This month you get to take action on a very significant decision. You may be feeling unsteady now, but remember, any element of existence you wish to change will require a very light touch. You'll also find out that your soul feels more like a Harley-Davidson than it does like a candle burning in a church. One thing about Harleys is they actually get you somewhere. -- submitted by Sassy Golden  See Planet Waves for other months.

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Where To Find It - Services Offered

Want to better your business?    Place a listing here!

Flowers - Lisette McTiel Frasier, Heathfield Commons.
Lumber - Jon McAndrews Lumber Mill, Ballicastle.
Wines - Mike McAndrews Vineyards, Heathfield;  Darren McCullen Vineyards, Ballicastle.

Leather, Beef, Horses - Maurice, Joseph and Rory McDonough, McDonough Ranch Heathfield.
Wool, Yarn & Cloth - McCormick Sheep Ranch, Heathfield.
Cider, Flour, Grains, Apples, Milk, Eggs, Vegetables - Draven MacShire, Ravanna of Heathfield.
Potcheen - Sean DeBurgh, Rhett Shawnesey, Dunshire of Heathfield.
Baked Goods - Teri's Sweets Shoppe, Ballicastle.
Shipping, Trips by Sea - Rhett Shawnesey, Dunshire, or Bovee Shipping, Heathfield.
Kennels  - Meadowland Kennels, Patrick and Edward McAndrews, Ballicastle.
Pottery  - Devon DeWinter, Heathfield.
Shipwrights  - Collin McAndrews and Thomas Douglas, Heathfield Port.
Exotic Imports - Xandar McDonough and Garath MacShire, Heathfield Port.
Linen and Lingerie - Marcy McGuire, Heathfield Commons.
Candles and Crystals - Kathleen Cleary Frasier and Samantha Golden, Heathfield Commons.
Tea House - Iwakura Sachiko, Heathfield Commons.
Clothing - Seamstress - Acacia Sterling, Heathfield Commons.
Fortune Teller - Nataliya Andree, Heathfield Commons.
Barrington Hospital - Gates Barrington, Sara Devonshire, Heathfield.
Clocks - Aleric and Niklas Traugott, Heathfield Commons.
Blacksmiths; Horse Shoeing, Swords, Daggers - Lochlan Kearney, Ballicastle; Brian McAndrews, Heathfield Commons.
Leatherwork and Sheaths - Moncha McAndrews, Heathfield Commons.
Surveyor - Robert Frasier, Ballicastle.
Herbs Shop - Sara Devonshire, Barrington Hospital Lobby.
Book Shop - Mariah McCormick, Heathfield Commons.
Orphanage - Henna Barrett Suex, Heathfield.
Archeologist - Kitavari Griffin, Heathfield.
Apothecary - Sinead NiAhearne Frasier and Aislin NiFaelen, Heathfield.
Raw Ores - Joseph McAndrews, Ballicastle.
Smelter - Eddie McAndrews, Ballicastle.
Private Investigators - Joseph McDonough, Jacob Anderson, Mercy LaCorte and Clark Davis, Heathfield.
Furniture - Sean MacGrath.
Veterinarians - Donovan and Katherine McKnight.
Frasier Signs - Kyle Frasier, Heathfield Commons and Ballicastle.
Sweet and Sassy Candy Shop- Carienn and Corina Turlough, Heathfield Commons.
Certain Somethings Shop - Sorcha Beirne, Heathfield Commons.
Leather Goods:  Jaelysa
Dairy Products: NorthStar Dairy run by Allan Cleary
Glass Maker: Isolde Fitzpatrick, Heathfield Commons
Blue Marlin Inn and Tavern: Marlana Cherill Proprietor, Barrett's Bay
Ceol m'anama (Music is my soul) Music Shop: Lorelei Barre, Heathfield Commons

Many thanks to those who contribute to this newspaper. Any additions, corrections or wishing to run an ad please contact Lahoneee.


Gossip from the Wharf
"If you believe these - I have lands in Rhydin to sell you"
by The Wharf Crones - Matty and Pearl

All gossip that comes in through the port, and places least expected,  you can be sure that Matty and Pearl know every little tidbit and then some added. Embellishing is a way of life to make the tale far more colorful. If something is not certain nor clear, it is easy to fill in those gaps; there is nothing like assuming. They will make sure all gossip gets around come rain or shine and the sharing of a tea biscuit. There is a place for Drama Queens.


**Rumors come from faraway places, talks along the pier that catch our ears. Especially when a catchy jingle is attached: Come on down and grab a seat! Everyone wants some of Damien's Meat. It puts Pearl into a fit of giggles every time she recites it and I decided we should find out just how beefy this meat is! We can sneak on one of the ships headed for these lands. We want a man! Beefy sausage, ham or hotdog, we take what we can. Although we might have to shanghai the blonde mentioned he's been flirting with.

**There seems to be much to say about the wild lands of the royal Twins. Maybe we should go visit too for some adventure and perhaps catching us a man. It is a thought to consider but we hear there is danger, we can deal with danger. I could always squash me a highway man, there is more than one way to get a man.

**A man deserted has been making bets and winning them. I could come up with a dessert in anti up. Pearl is a card shark or maybe we are just sharks, either way between the two of us we don't mind losing. Sharks in the water, at least Pearl can float as I sink like an iron boat. I could always use that to be rescued? We could use some new furniture too as I've broken a few chairs.

**Old or young doesn't matter to us as long as we can catch an eye. Perhaps the two young captains would mind some elderly advice or schooling. Make us feel young again. There is always the older brother that Pearl says hubba hubba. I just say wowzers. We could devise a plan if we put our heads together, where there is a will there is a way. Two ships. Three. The last being of cedar would hide any odors. A pretty young thing will attract the man a buzzing. We can stow away and get our nets ready for any excess.

**Speaking of hubba hubba brings to mind the Egyptian men and a few without wives. Perhaps their views for their customs is different and might find an older woman more appealing than younger. We will need to read up on their customs to find out if we may have an angle there. It seems there is a map and a puzzle to be unraveled, maybe we can find our way there and be discovered!

**Rumor has it, mostly spread by us, that one of the kingsmen has been seeing the green thumb lass. Perhaps we could disguise ourselves as plants, or at least I could be a bush. Maybe paint our thumbs green? We may just take up lake water fishing, can't be too hard. Pearl doesn't like to touch worms so we might use something else as bait. Maybe we can crone a bewitching tune and lure them to us. Which would mean taking singing lessons. What we go through all in the name of potential love.

**Or we should learn the harp like the one Lady lures so many men to her, even secret admirers. Pearl is sighing over there as we both could have wishful thinking on the matter. Add learning the harp to our list as there must be a way we too can draw men to us. Surely there has to be two out there that can get past age and looks to what lurks beneath. When the cold winter winds blow with snow, we need a man to cuddle up with. Cuddling up with Pearl just doesn't make it. She's all bones and not the right kind. We heard some speaking on finding us men, now wouldn't that be wonderful as we've not succeeded yet. Any and all help is welcome!

**Which brings us to such a sweet romance blossoming between the prince and laird's daughter. Here again we stood outside the tavern peeking in the window and sighing. If sighs were coins we'd be rich and could buy us a man. We hear some have done that. There is always the private investigators, surely we could come up with something needing investigating! Still, the man has a few eligible brothers that could send any woman's heart pounding. I'd rather the pounding than the wistful exhale of breath.

**There is also the flirtatious family friend of another prominent family that we could set our sights on. A Captain too, there are enough that two missing would not be missed. We know the port like the back of our hands. I tried the swing out he put up but the branch broke. I thought maybe by doing so I could get close. Warm his seat. For a moment I thought I was seeing stars just thinking on him, separating him from all the rest but it was only a branch that clunk me in the head. Maybe it's a sign!

**The sign maker and cook have been seen out together, another man to cross off our list and more sighs from Pearl.

**We were trying to find a way to have both betting cousins lose so that we had two to serenade us.

**There's another Captain come a-visiting and if he can't find anyone to talk on a mutual business proposition, we're good at talking and propositions!

**The Prince Bard is back and another to pin our hopes up. He could sing his way into our hearts easily. Surely all he needs to do is talk to us and we can presume. Another, a brother of the kingsman aforementioned. has come to pay a visit. One worth looking into for any possibilities. We can claim to be orphans even if late in years, our husbands have died and so left alone.

**There is talk about toboggan trails to be made come snow. I wonder if I could impress a man by going down one without a sled? Or design one just for us and call it the Crone Curves.


WANTED

500 Gold Coins Offered on Black Doom, Black Beard, Stirling Scourge each ... Dead or alive. If all are brought in, a bonus of 500 will be added making it 2000

Crimes:  Murder, Plundering and pillaging innocents, Thievery, Arson, Kidnapping, and Rape. Slavery.  Reward is high for any who brings these scoundrels to justice.

WANTED

Wanted Alive: Two Highwaymen known as Murph and Billy. 50 Gold Coins Reward for information that leads to their whereabouts. 200 Gold Coins for their capture.

Crimes:  Thievery and harassment. 


((Disclaimer: any pictures used of actors/actresses is solely for how that fictional character may look, no claims made. This is a fictional newspaper created for entertainment in the role-playing world. Articles from books, websites, etc., are credited. If any author has a problem (as it is a form of advertisement for them) with their credited works being depicted, please contact me and they will be promptly removed.))

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