Athar sits at the counter of the beer hall of the massive seaborne city, resting his tired bones after a hard day. Some salvage had been caught under some collapsed rock formations, and had to be taken apart bit by laborious bit. A dangerous task.

Still, the beer hall was a welcome respite, even if the decor had not changed much in 30 years. Still, only a couple months left to retirement. Find yourself a nice little island, settle down, maybe catch up on old times.

Athar doesn't believe in fate.

A rolled-up newspaper lands in front of him on the bar counter, and he glances over at the direction it came from, to see a whiskered, smiling face.

"Take a look there, Athar old boy. Page 7.".

Athar flicks through the paper, folding and resting it down on the flat bar counter.

...

Even the crews packing up gear on the other end of the massive deck of the Thames agreed, it was the loudest, most surprised-sounding profanity they had ever heard...

By I. M. Reporter on Sunday, October 21, 2001 - 05:59 am:

This saturday saw the appointment of the new Aveh Minister for Internal Affairs to office in the Fatima Castle. Minister Brin Gaisce, a relatively new arrival in Bledavik, and already a familiar face around town, was appointed to the position by the Solaveh council late last week. When asked to comment, Brother Brin said this...

"I am honoured to have been offered this position, and will strive to maintain the peace, freedom, and prosperity that all citizens of Aveh have come to know since the Solaveh alliance was formed several months ago. My door is always open to those in need, and I hope to continue to fulfil my duties as a priest of Ethos, as well as this new position, which I am honoured to accept.".

Rumours of an inaugural get-together at the castle abound, as several days of work have been put into the redecoration of the sparring arena of the Fatima Castle. When asked about these rumours, Minister Gaisce declined to specify, saying the castle was being used for 'A private function'.

Whatever the reason, this reporter knows that in Fatima castle tonight, at least one Etone has something to celebrate.