Maevon's Gossip MillMaevon, the Royal Family's official grain miller, is also known to them as an excellent source of local (and on occasion distant) gossip and rumor. Want to know how the latest tax increase is being received by the poplulation? Ask Maevon. Want to know if you are in good graces with a sibling (or not)? Listen to Maevon talk ...
Magnus muttering in the Hall:
"Pests to the left of me. Pests to the right of me. What is the Goddess doing to my life?!" (6/14/2001)
Mess hall gossip:
"And he ran like a demon from hell, arms akimbo, sword whipping, screaming something about fish and enemies. I've told you before. That beach drift Sheriff is daft. He nearly cut me down with his sword swinging 'round the Gate!" (10/4/2000)
Trader talk:
"The price of gobuls are dropping."
"What in the Seven Hills is a gobul??"
"A gobul fish is a deep sea creature the size of your hand caught in nets. Usually cleaned, filled with wild rice and chunks of lamb, then poached with redfruit and wine."
"An organ behind the gills infuses the meal with a sweet and spicy flavor. Considered a delicacy fit for a king, it is served on ceremonial occasions."
"Due to a sudden influx of the fish, prices are dropping. Could cause a market crash in the future." (9/21/2000)
An upstairs maid talking to a kitchen girl:
"Caitlin was in her mother's room, what hasn't been opened in years! And she come out all dusty, she did! Like she was in there lookin' for somewhat! Now what could be left there after all this time, I asks you?" (9/10/2000)
Below Castle stairs:
"The old Queen's rooms are haunted! The 3rd upstairs maid swears she saw a figure move silently out of Caterina's room and down the hall one night. It didn't have no color to it, and it made no sound! I've heard others claim to have seen something there, too!" (6/10/2000)
Below Castle stairs:
"EEEEeeeeeekkkkkkkkk! There's somethin' in the tub. I was undressin' for me bath, like, an somethin' popped out of the water hissin'. It were brown and scaley with sharp pointy teeth. I won't go in there no more!" (6/5/2000)
Below Castle stairs:
"Ya shoulda' seen the lassie! Flirt'n wit ta Riggyl like he was bigger thana bean sprout and had somethun to show. Someone 'tinks she can better herself wit a bit 'o tangling faster than plain 'ole 'ard work." (3/3/2000)
Overheard in the servant's quarters:
"I've always wondered, is Miya only Myste's servant? After all, no other servants have quarters like hers."
"No-one's allowed in either her quarters of the Chatellaine's. It is rumored that her room is nicer than some of the guest rooms meant for dignitaries. And I clean the dignitaries' rooms!"
"Miya is always so attentive, always at Myste's beck and call. Although, isn't that just the sign of a good servant? hmmm..."
"I'd say it's more than a sign of a good servant. If ya ask me, Miya's in love with her mistress" (3/3/1999)
Town gossip:
"Magnus is dead. The Sheriff burned in the fire at Vandene's store trying to save the old man's daughter. It was horrible... and a bit strange. Excepting for the deputy who got burned no one heard any screams after the first few minutes. It was like they was murdered or something before they burned. Maybe by that thing that killed the Scion and burned him in his bed. Those Coalies are up to something. The Council needs to find out what before we all end up dead and burned in our beds!" (2/23/1999)
Trader talk:
"There are strange beasties comin' from the mountains. Most just funny lookin' but some are monstrous creatures. Me cousin Jimme lost three donkeys and a dog to a big, black snarlin' thing." (1/28/1999)
Old folks ryhme:
"Green sky at morning,
Coalies heed warning.
Green sky at night,
Coalies take flight." (1/12/1999)
Folk saying:
"Dworken's mind holds the universe. 'Tis best to let him be." (1/7/1999)
Tavern song:
"Geraint and Caitlin,
hiding in the trees,
K I S S I N G.
First comes love,
then they practice swords.
Here comes Daddy, running for the hall!" (1/2/1999)
Overheard in the ladies' sauna:
"Mother Ann is a witch. Some say she could have saved Caterina's life. Some say she let the Queen die so that she would have power over her children." (12/27/1998)
Graffitti in the men's:
"Watch out for your women. Riddyl is on the loose." (12/18/1998)Written underneath:
"Don't worry, I heard the Chef could take Riggyl." (1/16/1999)
Street vendors overheard:
"They say that after all these years, Seyer is finally going to clean up Ember. She will start by throwing out all her brothers and sisters. You know that she really never liked them. She only put up a front for her parents."
"She has always looked a little wicked..." (12/18/1998)
Ember Court gossip:
More than one child of the Scion knows the secret of Foomall's Stone. If Riggyl screws up, another can take his place, someone more suited to the throne. (12/17/1998)
Laundryroom gossip:
Seyer's pockets are filled with stones. If you lose one, she has a hissy fit. (12/16/1998)
Ember Court gossip:
The Scion only named Riddyl heir to keep him sober. Louie thinks that the responsiblity will keep him occupied. (12/9/1998)
Rumor:
Louie was involved with William Wallace's death. A group of nuns saw Seyer's father talking to three men. (12/12/1998)
Rumor:
Not all of the Rangers are happy with Simeon. They would prefer an older, more experienced Captain. Someone like.... Caitlin? (12/4/1998)
Fragment from a merchant's letter:
There are unicorns on the plains. The creatures are very short and fuzzy and sport a spiralling horn in earthen tones. They seem to enjoy the dry weeds the plainsmen refer to as grass immensely. The caravaners have attempted to capture one, many times, but are unsuccessful. The little buggers are very wary and can bounce swiftly away before the trap is sprung. We continue on to Aven's Thumb on the morrow .... (11/18/1998)
Overheard in Moh's bar:
"Well, ye know why the Count is searching for a wife here. The women in Hichtenstein are all a bit, well, inbred." (11/17/1998)
Rumor:
Caitlin has always resented that Simeon was elevated to Captain of Ember's Rangers. She wanted that job, it was her lifelong dream, and Simeon knew it. If she hadn't made that promise to her father..... (11/6/1998)
