Ny Tradgardland

Another busy day in Ny Tradgardland ( as it should be properly called ) as fishing boats are launched into the Atlantic surf. The men are tired after militia training yesterday yet rejoice in the sea and its harvest. On Sunday a priest from Louisberg will say Mass and will be accompanied by an officer seeking a word with the Ny Tradgardland Governor afterwards.

Full Moon over the Duchy

The roads of the Duchy are filled with soldiers on the monthly change-over. Some are returning to the land - their produce ripe and waiting in the Sommer air. Some, heading in the opposite direction , from agriculture to armed service. The night is filled with songs and greetings as the men pass each other upon the roads.

Less conspicuous are a couple making their way down to the docks. Alisona and her beau have finally begun their new life together. The boat waits and New Tradgardland is but a voyage away. She has left a brief note for her father the Duke- he will get it come morning..........

At the Broken Kobold

Alisona has waited for what feems to her like an eternity.The Kobold is not the beft place to wait in but she is ardent in the anticipation of hif company. However even she will not wait for ever and rises to be off. A scruffy street urchin burfts through the door and thrusts a sealed parchment her way prior to exiting into the murky street .Alisona reads...
I send my apologies but I could not come - beyond my control and ken. Meet me at the full moon on the quay. The ship is " The Tarnished Herring," her Master waits for you. Bring what you need the voyage will be long but we will be together!

Alisona returns to Palace life knowing now that her presence there is finite not infinite- a thing that makes all the difference .

A letter

She reads the hastily scribbled note and reads - Meet me after Mass tomorrow morning at the sign of the Koblod , there is a matter of urgency to discuss.

Committing the brief note to memory she resolves to once more keep the tryst.

Cartographical Endeavours...

As part of the ongoing efforts to accurately map Tradgardland , the bondsmen of the Ducal Society are being dispatched across the length and breadth of Tradgarland. Around their waists will be attached a pedometer which is linked by string to their legs hence measuring distances travelled. It is hoped this vital work will be accomplished in a matter of weeks. It has been begun in the hope of better weather at this time of late Sommer.

Not so Brief Encounter

The old man hurried to the door along the paffage . The small tin bell rang and rang in increasing defperation. Muttering under hif breath the old man eventually arrived at the fhop entrance to see a caped figure muffled in the doorway. Upon opening, the figure fell over the threfhold and into the dimly lit room. Once the cape was off the figure turned out to be a young woman of medium height and build. “My Lady, you are moft welcome to my humble abode,” he mumbled defferentially.For this was no other than the Daughter of the ruling house – Alisona.
Abandoned by the turbulent times which had recently occurred within the Duchy and accepting that she was unlikely to marry through official channels she had sought and found another way. This was the fourth time she had met the young officer within the confines of “ The Broken Koblod” a coffee houfe of minimum style or grace. In fact many faid that it was of no value whatsoever to man nor vermin.
Deep within amidst the almost tangible darkneff sat the object of her affections. He had little to recommend him beyond the casual glance yet his eyes blazed upon sight of her…
All too soon their tryst was at an end. She donned her cloak and left, he likewise, upon hearing the clock strike the quarter.

From a broadsheet

At a High Mass , for the souls of those who drowned on the recent voyage to Shetland ,the recently returned Duke spoke of their courage and devotion to duty. He assured the assembled crowds that their widows and orphans would be taken care of in perpetuity. He expressed his fervent hope that the Duchy would see more peaceful times ahead after the tragedies which have beset the Duchy. He referred to the loss of his son, the difficulties surrounding his brother the Voivde and the recent losses at sea. After Mass the Ducal Party dispersed to their duties of the day whilst the crowds wended their weary way homeward.