A messenger from the Hinterlands arrived at the Gates of Castle Catalano this morn.
The messengers beast was bellowing great smoke, as it was wicked cold out.
The messenger dismounted and strode to the entrance, he was greeted by the gateman.
What business do you have at Castle Catalano, spoke the gateman.
I come with a request, said the messenger, I wish an audience with the Great Gumba.

The gateman disappeared into the castle to confer with The Great Gumba, Let him enter grumbled the Great Gumba.

The messenger from the Hinterlands was a scraggly fellow, unkempt and smelly.
A beard of sorts graced his face and long mangy hair fell about his face, this was the condition of most of the people from the Hinterlands, and is why the Great Gumba grumbled.

As he approached the Great Hall where the Great Gumba and his Bard received visitors, he was startled by the approach of two ominous beasts, these where the guardian beasts of Castle Catalano, it was their job to protect the Bard when the Great Gumba was off defending his realm or battling foes like Floyd.

They circled the messenger and paced, back and forth, sniffing, pawing, and looking.
They waited…………. for the arrival of their Master, the Great Gumba.
As they paced, the messenger got more and more uneasy, they were beasts, after all.
Soon the Great Gumba arrived, what is your purpose here, said the Gumba.
I come to bring you a message from the King of the Hinterlands, said the messenger.

The King of the Hinterlands wishes that you allow the good people of the Hinterlands to be able to go to the Wasslands and feast upon the delicacies that lie within.

It has been a long time since I have let anyone access across the boarders to the Wasslands, however, your request has merit. You have come a great distance to my castle, you got passed my gatekeeper and the great beasts did not devour you.

Unkempt as you may be, I will grant your request. Go and tell your king that from this day forward, all from the Hinterlands may travel to the Wasslands and feast upon the great delicacies that lie within.

So Sayeth the Great White Sage.

The guests started to arrive in earnest to Castle Catalano.

The Bard was looking especially beautiful this evening, her hair flowed like silk in the wind, her eyes cast a mesmerizing glance to all that made contact with them.
She was a creature of great beauty and none could ever take her place in the eyes of the Great Gumba.
For her love and compassion was all he would ever need.

The Gumba was pleased for all was they way it should be.
Many friends, new and old, would be in attendance tonight, for this the Gumba was greatfull.

Prince Loughdaugh was the first to arrive with his escort, the lovely Chelle, Princess of the Rolling Hills of Clary, together aboard his mighty Hemi they roared up the pass, through the gates and onto the grounds of Castle Catalano.

Marie of the Shires of York was the next to arrive with her entourage of curmudgeons in tow, whoa be it they who disturb the curmudgeons.
Curmudgeons are quiet folk, calm and calculating, but irritate them and the harangue of death shall befall you.
The sound of the harangue, the vibrations in the earths core that are caused by the harangue, will cause anyone who is subjected to it to be turned into a puddle of lickspittle.

The Shamans from down under arrived bringing with them much magic and joy, for when they arrive the room alights with frivolity.

The Archer and his bride where the next to arrive, a striking couple, outdoorsy people,
Chiseled physique, bold lines.
Together, a formidable pair, two of the most humble people on the planet.
They traveled from the great Pemm Harbor to join the Great Gumba and Kerry the Bard on this Eve’s Anew.

The Barrowsters soon arrived, bringing with them a new chariot, Golden wheels chattered along the road towards Castle Catalano.
They brought fowl to be grilled upon the great fires of feasting. Fowl grilling was one of the Great Gumbas favorites.

MacLachlan from the Clan MacLachlan and his escort for the evening were soon after the Barrowsters.
Mac was a minstrel, a storyteller and mage. He loved everyone and wanted to know how everyone felt. It was his DUTY to make sure everyone felt good about themselves.
Mac and the Great Gumba never really saw eye to eye on much.
Mac liked little fuzzy animals and he could often be seen hugging the trees in the forest, but that is what the Great Gumba liked about Mac, and yes the Great Gumba would even defend Mac on the rare occasion.

Red the Irish and his fiancé Jillian the Fair were also in attendance.
They made a grand entrance as they always do.
Jillian the Fair even brought her beloved baby bird with her to embellish the room with calming sounds!

The Bard had kin at the celebration also, Melchior the carpenter, a craftsman if their ever was one.
With six-pack abs and a wit as sharp as a razor, Melchior was always a favorite with the ladies.

Lady El was next to arrive with Lady Brae from the woods of Calder.
Lady El was a soothsayer, and herbal healer, a mystic from afar, a wonderful addition to the crowd at Castle Catalano.
Lady Brae was a Wagoner; she was in charge of transporting the little princes and princesses to and fro from one thing to another.
This was an important job, for the safety of the little ones rest solely in her hands.
Accomplished in many arts, Lady Brae was astounding.

Lord and Lady Landings soon arrived, Tailors they were, weavers of the finest garments.
More on them later.

As the evening went on much food was consumed, devilish eggs, sparagus, fish, and all sorts of happytizers.
Finally it was time to cook the foul, a great roar was heard outside, the stone cooker was fired up and a great pot of oil was placed over it.
Tonight a great turkey would be boiled in oil, much to the delight of all.
Great fowls were impaled with ale containers and set upon the fire pit of feasting to become a succulent roasted bird, steamed internally by ale.
The smells were astounding, the waves of aroma wafted about the entire Castle, all waited with anticipation for the fouls to be done.

Later the birds were taken from their perspective fires and set upon the great feasting table to be carved.
The Great Gumba brought out the carving blade box (which was meticulously made by Prince Loughdaugh to house the most important implements of feasting), opened it and proceeded to carve the great fouls.
Juices squirted everywhere, the meat was tender, the skin was crisp, yes, and this was good.
Many enjoyed the fouls, for foul is good.
All devoured dips and yes even green things ravenously, for none shall go hungry at Castle Catalano.

Just before the great bells tolled the beginning of Eves Anew, Sparkling wine imported from the regions of the saucy people who lived on a boot shaped landmass, was opened with a great popping sound.
Glasses were filled and held high as the bells tolled, a great Happy Eves Anew was heard extolled by all in attendance.
Great hugs were given all around and much joy was had, for a year was now over and a new more prosperous year was just beginning.
Many opportunities await, many battles to wage and win, new friends to make, and maybe some old friends will find their way to Castle Catalano.

Huzzah to all in attendance.
Huzzah to Eves Anew.

Thank you, my Bard, for being beside me. Your love is always cherished by the Great Gumba.
So Sayeth the Great White Sage of the Great Northron Region.