The wind does howl this time of year.
Cold breezes abound, the winter sprites dance merrily on the currents of time.
Old man winter creaks along the woods line, keeping all he covets in a blanket of crystal white snow.

Lot's has happened since last we spoke.
Many friends have feasted, many battles fought and yes most have been won.
The great hounds are well, although Balou is getting on in years.
Gray whiskers surround his snout, his joints don't work as well as they should, but when it snows he is like a pup, frolicking and playing with great abandon.
Maya, the great companion to the Bard, is well, just itchy.
The Gumba thinks a which has put an evil itchy spell upon her, just to torment the Gumba at night with the sound of scratch, scratch, scratch.
Both of the great hounds always put a smile on the Gumbas face and this is good.

The Bard is the Gumbas rock, always their to make sure he doesn't stumble to much, wage war with the wrong country, always singing her songs of love. (life is good with the Bard in it).
Tis the time of year when she magically prepares her Christmas Tree Bark.
What a wonderful treat this is, the bark of the elderberry tree is soaked in Rum for days, then with a magic incantation known only to her, the bark transforms into a chocolaty, crunchy delight. Yummmmmmmyyyyy!!!!

The Red Prince is well, as is the family of the Red Prince. He is scribing the tales of the Otter Queen these day's. This is what we do when we get old, we reminisce.
Feast well this holiday season my friend. Battle long and hard. May tempest sing her glorious song of victory for you every time you unsheathe her.
For you and yours are always in the Gumbas thoughts.

Katherine of Khatadin is still being courted by Stephan of the Clan Campbell.
She is the money counter for the cultural center here in the land of Rocks and stone.
She is well, although grumpy at times, I think it the age she is at.
Ohhhhh, I am not supposed to say that, am I.

Karean the Protectorate has made great strides in her station in life, for she has become a mighty financier in the Mans Field of dreams.
Her and her mate, the Great and Glorious Greagore are well and flourishing down south.
The horses of Antioch are well and cared for with much love.
The Curmudgeons, well, there Curmudgeons!!!!

Melchior the Carpenter has a new tart in his life, she is quiet and happy, but mostly quiet.

Prince Loughdaigh? He has decided not to speak with the Gumba, and the Gumba is indifferent at this point in time.

Captain Crudbeard and Bloodthirsty Barbara, have made a home in the Port of Rocks.
Their ship waits for the ice to melt in the spring, so they are stuck here for the winter.
The Gumba and the Bard will make them feel at home and very welcome indeed.

The great wet nurse of the penobscots has moved further north, to care for the sick and needy.

The Ladies Brea and L are doing well.

Ground Chuck and Dark Lorie are still in the Attle Boro's and doing well.

Little Lord Jeffers is well, but curmudgeonly as usual.

Sapphire Sue and the Dark Rodger are............ Sapphire Sue and the Dark Rodger.....(giggles)

Golden Judy and Pop's are very well indeed.
The Golden one now paints magical pictures with water and berrie stains.
Such wondrous pictographs to behold.

The Gumba laments about his gold supply on a daily basis, but the lifestyle is one he chose, now he must make due with what he has, or he needs to change something, and he is not sure which to do. (as usual).

The lands are frozen, the lakes gleam with ice, the trees groan in the wind.
Tis winter in the Northron regions, a time of quiet, a time of cold, a time of friends and a time for remembering those you miss.

The season of yule has arrived, rejoice in the fact that someone loves and misses you.
For you are someones special person, someones everything.
Yes it is true, everyone has someone who cares about them, they just may not know about it.

Bring on the Boars head, the mead and the wine, for the yule log will be lit and all will reflect, remember, love and care.

Long live the Great Gumba and Kerry the Bard and all whom call them friend.

Huzzah to the winter solstice, for all will be renewed in the spring.

Be well, feast often, fight with courage and love someone, if for no other reason, than to do it because you can.

So sayeth the Great White Sage of the Northron Region.