Peacock Gazette/Issue 16
Title: Peacock Gazette: Issue 16
Author: Various
Headline: Leaves and Loose Lips: The Veythorne Shopkeeper Speaks
Every noble house has its secret but few have a cousin quite so helpful in revealing them as the spectacled elven woman behind the counter of the Veythorne Manor souvenir shop. Framed by shelves of assorted trinkets and floral ephemera, she may appear harmless, polishing keepsakes with a grandmotherly grace. But do not be fooled: behind those spectacles gleam a pair of crystal blue eyes as sharp as a tailor's needle and with a tongue to match.
Though her official duties involve selling manor memorabilia, our dear shopkeeper's true gift lies in the art of casual conversation. One only need linger by the displays a moment too long before being treated to tales of long-forgotten Veythorne scandals, whispered with the delighted air of someone entirely unconcerned with discretion - or repercussions.
Did you know that one Veythorne once absconded with a Loenthran harpist after the Midwinter Ball? Or that the dark and evil spirit that touched the Wraithenmist forest may have less to do with a curse and more to do with poor table manners and family pride? You would, if you'd spent an afternoon browsing her wares.
Unsurprisingly, her chatter has earned her no small amount of ire from her more decorous relatives, who would much prefer the family's dusty secrets remain precisely that. Yet despite pointed remarks at dinner and subtle shifts in inheritance discussions, our gossamer-voiced informant remains comfortably behind her counter, offering both baubles and bombshells to any visitor with a listening ear and a few silver coins in their pockets.
Whether her continued employment is a testament to her charm, her obliviousness, or some ancient Veythorne pact of tolerance, none can say. But the Gilded Quill advises all visitors to Veythorne Manor: purchase a trinket, linger by the ribbon basket, and you might catch a tale or two that will never make it into the official family archives.
After all, sometimes the finest souvenirs are the whispered ones.
Headline: A Reflective Interlude
Ta'Illistim, the home of culture and contemplation, is not unaccustomed to elegant affairs - but seldom does one encounter a gathering so effortlessly suffused with charm, intellect, and the comforting scent of freshly baked bread.
In the heart of Reflection's Interlude, under a cascade of wisteria blooms and fluttering silk pennants, a delightful spring picnic bloomed into something quite more than just a luncheon. It was a celebration of connection - between friends, between scholars, and between past and present. Those in attendance included luminaries of varied distinction all gathering at the behest of the renowned polyglot, Ailre Faleth Vaalor.
While buns and cheese choices were discussed, the applejack flowed freely and conversation turned toward deeper questions: What are the stories we leave behind? And who preserves the ones that never make it into the marbled Hall of History in the Library Aies?
It was Ailre, in fact, who gently guided the tone of the conversation. With a scholar's grace and no small amount of charm, he extended a heartfelt invitation to all present: to share their tales, recipes, and quiet moments that might otherwise be lost to time. "I am hoping that this focus on the stories of the day-to-day or anecdotes that are not part of history would make for excellent research down the line." He reminded us that history is not made solely in archives, but in kitchens, gardens, and yes, picnics.
And what a feast it was! From star lotus-infused jams and oil-brushed flatbreads, to spiced Tehiri coffee and bergamot tea, the fare was as diverse as the company. Even a certain ridge caracal seemed to take interest, though thankfully refrained from eating any of the guests.
Among laughter and light debate - some involving magical books, temporal mishaps, and the possibility of a sentient peahen - there lingered a sentiment of genuine camaraderie. A reminder that in Ta'Illistim, where walls are lined with tomes and minds are sharpened like quills, there is still space for joy, for bread, and for the stories that bind us.
So, if you see Ailre wandering the gardens or loitering near Braesella's ovens with a notebook in hand, do not shy away. Tell him your tale - be it triumphant, tragic, or just terribly funny. As Lady Quillfeather will always remind you: not all the best stories begin with a damsel in distress...sometimes, they begin with a bun.
Headline: Petals, Pride, and Rivalries: A Spring Stroll Through Veythorne Manor
Ta'Illistim may be a city of intellect and academia, but let us not forget: nothing stirs the bookish elves quite like a well-timed bloom. And nowhere are blossoms more breathtaking - or more politically fraught - than in the hallowed grounds of Veythorne Manor, where spring has arrived with all the delicacy of a court curtsy and subtle sharpness of a pair of pruning shears.
The horticulturists employed by Lord Veythorne are, as always, at their most industrious this season. Sunshine yellow daffodils nod in rhythmic unison along the winding marble paths. Dragonstalks, tall and stately, unfurl gilded crimson petals like banners in some ancient, floral war. But the true stars of the garden are the pale lilac beleria, said to be cultivated from a strain once gifted to the Veythornes by a member of the Loenthran royal family, and the ever-elegant cream roses; flawless, fragrant, and utterly impossible to grow without the Manor's closely guarded composting technique.
Naturally, one must ask: is this merely the celebration of the season, or something altogether more strategic?
Sources close to the grounds staff (and by close we do of course mean that ever-chatty shopkeeper in the souvenir hall) suggest that these floral arrangements are less about aesthetics and more about influence. Each bed is designed not just for beauty but for symbolism - believed to represent a particular Veythorne branch or past glory. The rose beds closest to the east wing, it is whispered, were recently redone after a failed attempt at growing blood-red poppies in honour of a controversial ancestor whose name was abruptly struck from the garden ledger.
More curious still, a quiet tension simmers between the lead horticulturists themselves, each a devotee of their favoured bloom. The Veythorne family has, it seems, divided its botanical loyalties. One gardener insists on the upright dignity of dragonstalks - "unbending, noble, enduring" - while another has taken to planting tiny clusters of wild beleria in hidden nooks, as if scattering secrets in petaled form.
And let us not overlook the lady's slipper orchids. Their perfection and subtle placement along the cobblestoned walkway beneath the jade green heartleaf has led those familiar with the language of flowers to speculate that Veythorne subservience to the Nalfein is not beyond the bounds of possibility. "You think it's just about flowers," murmured our favourite spectacled source with a knowing smile. "But trust me, every bloom in that garden means something. And some meanings are meant to be kept secret."
So the next time you stroll beneath the budding branches in Veythorne Manor, take care. The air may be perfumed with springtime charm, but beneath the petals? Roots run deep and not all are content to remain in the soil.
Yours in ink and intrigue, The Gilded Quill
Headline: An Exchange and Exhibition of Art and Culture from East to West
Hosted each Ivastaen by Cairnfang Manor in the Turamzyrrian Freeport of Solhaven, the Solhaven Grand Art Exhibit encourages artists from across Elanthia to share their talents in the port town bordering Vornavis. Gracing the western coastline for over two decades, this year's show encouraged entrants to express "Home Is" -- and thirteen, including artists based across the Elven city-states, answered the call beautifully.
The Exhibit officially culminated with the awarding of Best In Show. Prior to the Exhibit's opening, a panel of three judges previewed and judged the works without knowledge of the artist; this year's panel included noted Ta'Illistim scholar Rohese Bayvel Illistim.
Best In Show was awarded to Imperatrix Lylia Rashere Faendryl for her unframed desert nightscape painting titled "Mother of the Southron Wastes." Second place was awarded to frequent Ta'Illistim visitor, Lady Elaejia Silithyr, for her pyramidal wirework sculpture titled "Wey Selan." And third place went to another frequent visitor to the Shining City, Lady Missoni Sabetache Faendryl, for her fused vaelfyren thaumatrope titled "Echoes of Belonging."
The Peacock Gazette would like to recognize Ezabell Ravenwood for her night sky painting and Ysaeril Illistim for her repaired vellum map, both shining examples of artistry from the Elven Nations. Lady Phanna Green, Chairwoman of Cairnfang Manor, and Lady Traiva Verethundi, Chatelaine of House Paupers, reminded attendees throughout the exhibit's festivities that all the artworks, including Best In Show winners from past years, will be set out again in Wehnimer's Landing for the Revelia Carnivale festival of arts in Koaratos.
Headline: Court Circulars and Announcements
Lady Sayilla Javilerre and the noble Illistim houses of Avelleur, Chesylrae, Greyvael, Nellereune, and Veythorne invite citizens of the Shining City and entrepreneurial visitors to join together at The Wisteria Markets on Restday, the 18th day of Ivastaen from sunrise to sunset. The Wisteria Markets are hosted monthly within the Chanceries with an open invitation for anyone to set up their stalls and join in the community as we continue to invite both new and old faces to Ta'Illistim.
The Day of the Wandering Artist is approaching and a call has gone out for artists far and wide to join in this wonderful elven tradition. Originally begun in Ta'Loenthra and newly celebrated in Ta'Illistim, the Day of the Wandering Artist is a celebration of expression drawn across the city streets, the ephemeral artwork glimpsed by many before surrendering to the elements, typically the summer rains. Vibrant portraits, landscapes, and everything in between are created utilizing chalk, the medium spread across the cobblestones and brick as the artist works, and the visitors standing across the periphery to watch each creation come to life. All are encouraged to bring their artistic touch, even those whose creativity is limited to stick figures.
Lord Gilenir Veythorne, Botanist Vanathys Ravistel, and Feriae Enfiel invite all interested botanists, floral enthusiasts, and researchers of the root and stem to join them for a symposium on the weekend of the 26th and 27th days of Koaratos as they celebrate all things botanical. All interested parties are urged to add their names to the preliminary sign-up sheet to ensure a presentation or event slot.