As the last stubborn patches of snow melt from Maplewood’s streets this author returned refreshed, rested, and absolutely ravenous for news. You have not disappointed.
Marcella has been gracing our town with her presence again while traveling with her new apprentice, who is reportedly in the midst of their practical education. All professions require training, and nobody is born knowing their craft. That said, this author has observed the apprentice’s technique and has seen more promising social instincts from a feral cat. Marcella and her apprentice departed Maplewood in the company of Lapis, who agreed to escort them to his clan for a specialized portion of the curriculum; one must admire Marcella’s dedication to her apprentice’s education.
Word has reached me that our beloved Xerxes has taken up residency in Sol Centura, where he has apparently become something of a sensation. It appears that in his rise to stardom, he has forgotten his Maplewood roots entirely. It is truly a shame as we knew him when, and we will remember that he knew us too, whether he chooses to or not.
Old Man Morris, Maplewood’s most reliable economic indicator, has weighed in on the current state of affairs from his customary position beneath the table at the Jenny. For those unfamiliar with his methodology: Morris reads the economy through the state of the town’s boots. This month’s assessment was, by his account, concerning. This author cannot confirm the specifics of his analysis but can confirm that his boot-based forecasting has historically been fairly accurate, and suggests you check the state of your own boots before dismissing his findings.
On a more mysterious note: Lucky is missing a sock. One sock, specifically. Rumors circulating town suggest this is no ordinary laundry accident and that someone has relieved her of said sock in order to determine her toe ring size ahead of a proposal. This author cannot confirm this theory, nor why Lucky would want a toe ring. This author also cannot stop thinking about it. We will be watching Lucky’s feet very closely in the coming months.
Maplewood Marv, the sandslug traditionally consulted on how long it will be until spring, predicted six more weeks of winter before attempting to eat several adventurers. He has since passed on to whatever afterlife awaits sandslugs. His forecast remains accurate, but his methods will not be missed.
This author would also like to welcome Anari to Maplewood, who arrived at Founder’s Feast and sat in Shelaz’s old seat with the audacity of someone who had always been there. The resemblance to her predecessor is uncanny—both dark haired, dark eyed, and perfectly unremarkable in their coloring in a way that this author, whose hair has never once been described as unremarkable, finds deeply unfair. If you are going to have a token faekin, at least commit to one who doesn’t have natural hair color privilege. The Chainbreakers apparently have a type.
Finally, the Lightsworn rescued a cat from a tree last month. The cat was unharmed, the tree was unharmed, and the Lightsworn are heroes- well, almost all of them. Eldin, I have heard from a very reliable source, is currently studying abroad in Evenandra at etiquette school. What makes this so interesting is that this was a voluntary sabbatical so that he could, and I quote, “Improve his prospects with the ladies”.
We wish him the very best. Evenandra is very far away.