Dearest Saul,

Povero has not been the same without you, although I have been flooded with a sudden influx of southern mages seeking residence here. I understand there has been some difficulties in the more southern Baronies with people threatening and even killing mages. I have not had a confirmed report so this is all rumor and speculation. In total I would say there are six new mages in town. One of the new mages in town is Master Elmark who has been quite charming and attentive. He is looking for a sponsor for some research on immortality. Fool hearty as that sounds he is quite serious and determined and I believe some of the older nobles have offered him funding. He has a teenage son but we hear nothing of the boy's mother. He wanders about town, big burly lad, spouting off about loyalty to the Queen and how he would like to be in the army. He is quite a bore. Another of the mages, Larm, specializes in illusions and has done a marvelous job entertaining us with her magics. The others are not as amusing and are acting more mage like, retreating into their studies and not mingling much. I am afraid they are banking on the good will we have towards a certain mage hero we all know. I like mages as much as the next person and hope none of these will do anything to harm your excellent reputation. I am sure Blaze is feeling quite over crowded. I understand she is traveling currently, and no wonder, with all these new comers in town.

I understand that the dreadful assassin girl escaped from the jail. There was some scandal involved and the town guard is most embarrassed. I certainly hope you and Couren will be most careful. She was a truly horrible beast. Speaking of horrible beasts, no news of my brother. I am beginning to hope he has dropped off the face of the earth. There is hardly any chance of that happening with Aldron, but I can always hope.

Richard and Elyssa are going to have a baby! Both sets of grandparents are thrilled to death and I fear the child will be spoiled terribly. Elyssa is just a vision - motherhood certainly agrees with her.

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of hosting the betrothal party for Mattie and Trax. The town is abuzz with the announcement. They do seem to be a well-matched pair and there is certainly no lack of affection between them. I believe Couren's mother will be saddened to lose her daughter but I am sure the thought of being linked to the Tabor family more than makes up for it. I understand that they will be moving to Medtarth after the marriage. I must say that Mattie left a trail of broken hearts through the city. Couren's mother is not as heartless as she makes out as there were certainly wealthier suitors but none combined wealth with Mattie's happiness as well as Trax.

The shortage of airship crystals has not yet begun to take its toll on the city economy but I can see it getting worse in the future. Luckily for me we have found iron on some of the land I own and with the war the demand for arms and armaments has increased. I am sure that there could have been some deal worked out with the Lands of Aperia to buy the gems in trade for ships. I hear that they have an ally that looks like a great bug, like a mantis, which fights like a demon. We do not have first hand reports but it sounds dreadful. There was a terrible quake in Vestene, which I am told killed fighters on both sides. Reports from the Dwarves say that they had two mines cave in killing hundreds. I understand they were emerald mines, which means there is a bright side - it will take them months, perhaps years to reopen those mines. In the mean time the mines my brother invested in will be one of the few still operating.

I hope you will be able to make it back to Povero for Midwinter Feast (on the 29th of Mylkste). I look forward to seeing you again.

Warmest Regards,
Min