I visited the trainer in Milltown once again. The expression on his face was a mixture of surprise and pleasure, along with a tinge of puzzlement. Surprise that I had arrived for the third time in about a cycle, pleasure at the progress I was making after such a long time of avoiding all the trainers in the lands. And the puzzlement was clear when Ural asked if there was a particular reason for me training so hard recently. ?Perhaps you have heard some rumours? Or maybe your skills have allowed you to sniff out some information and you know you need to hone your skills as quickly as possible??
I shook my head, and merely pointed out that since I first visited a cycle ago the royal guards on the road to Caer Laleldan on the N'Rolav side of the veil were such easy targets I had been able to train my skills without any great effort.
I have new robes and new boots. Both will assist me in whatever I face next as I explore areas I have never visited - or done so only rarely, usually resulting in a short painful skirmish and an awakening at the monument!
As I left, I did tell Ural that I could not guarantee when I might next return. I don't make promises I can not keep. And I always try to hold true to those I have made.

The Masquerade Parade was a resounding success. A large number of floats lined up on the path between Milltown and Dundee. As they moved along the path members of the ABV showered onlookers with doubloon pieces which could be exchanged for flowers, drinks and items of jewellery. The pieces are quite attractive, with the exception of a ring made of bone. It has a sharp spike jutting out, which gives some aid when attacking a foe. What it lacks in look it makes up for in usefulness.
I have put a necklace in the bank, to keep it safe until I can give it to Ellyana. The moment I saw the piece with its stones glinting in the rays of the 'rifter I knew she would love it.
The guild float turned out just as I'd hoped it would, as did my costume.
The Remnants of Kimald were worthy winners of a prize for the float they built. And Ivan won a prize for his costume. It was so good a likeness I had to keep checking if I was speaking with Ivan, or with Raffe.
All-in-all it was a spectacular event, and all enjoyed the turn.
Time to start making plans for the next Parade!

The gearing we constructed to make the display move as the bos-cart goes on its way works well. We've tested it and I must say the result is pretty much as imagined.
I'd considered an apparatus so that one component of the display would emit a stream of fire. But I had to abandon that particular idea! Apart from the expected crowd of onlookers who could have been endangered, there's also the nearby forest to be considered. A jet of flame could all too easily set the trees alight. The result might have been impressive to watch but it wouldn't be a satisfactory occurrence by any stretch of the imagination.
That part of the plans will have to be kept in mind for the future should any such event be held again - in the middle of the desert where no harm could be done!