Hello, I’m Branwyn Two-Moon of Clan Lightridge and these are the Ersatz Echoes of Eastfjord Harbor for the week of Dryad Waxing, 2020.

I was indeed summoned to the Shrine of Magic on the second day of this week. All of our people have arrived safely on the continent of Irized, part of a flotilla of support from dozens of countries. They arrive as spiritual, emotional, and physical relief. While many of the largest firesare out, hundreds of smaller fires still burn and thousands of lives have been shattered.  Beyond the impact on the people, the impact on the environment of the land I am told cannot be fairly described in words. Hundreds of species unique to the island continent may be extinct, or so reduced in number they cannot recover. The scope of the tragedy is such that no historian I consulted could give me something to compare it to.

If we could share some of our recent snow, it would likely help, but there’s no good way to transport it across the globe, and honestly the sudden influx of that much water would likely do more harm than good. In the meantime, we’re not expecting new snow next week, and there is a slight warming trend.

To those commenting that the warming seems a little bit earlier than it should, I offer this reminder that we will celebrate Stars’ Aligning between this year and next. For our younger listeners who may not know, who maybe don’t remember a lesson about a holiday that happens once every four years – in most people’s lifetimes – Stars’ Aligning serves to help keep the seasons in line with the calendar.  That’s a very simplified explanation, but it’s really enough for most of us.

I was informed during my visit to the Shrine of Magic that as the sole Champion of Magic in the world, and the senior one in the event another is marked, I have special responsibilities I must attend to as part of Stars’ Aligning.  Luna also informed me that I’d be spared the details and stress until after the King and Queen visit.

It hadn’t occurred to me until Luna said something that the King, Queen, and any number of important people, self or otherwise, traveling with them will want to meet me. Most Champions travel the world, answering the calls of people who need the services of a caster well above and beyond the average.  Champions of Shade, being the second rarest, are regularly called upon for services related to Anchrostones. No one has called upon me yet, possibly because there are few services one might need a particularly power Wisp-caster for that would not require their immediate presence.

I should say, no one has called upon me to perform any official duties as a Champion of Wisp.  I regularly receive letters from nobles, regals, powerful merchants, and the like inviting me to come pay them a visit, perhaps in alignment with their birthday or a particular local festival?  Few Champions are willing to show or receive such favor, for to most ours is a power for the world and its peoples, not a person or group.

You try putting that in writing diplomatically as a reply to a Grand Duke who is second in line for the throne in a country where the heir has a history of dying alongside their parents more than half the time. It’s a huge headache.

The Ersatz Echoes of Eastfjord Harbor are brought to you by Red Wombat Tea Company, purveyors of fine and otherworldly tea. Red Wombat: We Dig Tea.

Also brought to you by me, Branwyn Two-Moon of Clan Lightridge.  The Ersatz Echoes of Eastfjord Harbor is looking for more sponsors. If you’re interested, please reach out.

These have been the Ersatz Echoes of Eastfjord Harbor for the week of Dryad Waking, 2020. Take care, and stay warm.