March, 2005 Tar Valon Times

Calendar by Arisaema Draconis

WoT Holidays:

Thursday, March 17: Lamma Sor Also known as the Day of Remembrance, Lamma Sor is celebrated in the Borderlands a day after the first quarter moon in the month of Saban. Only bread, water, salt, and oil are consumed during this day, which is in honor of the brave defenders that have been, and those that have yet to be, killed in the defense of the Borderlands against the creeping Blight.

Saturday, March 19: Winternight Winternight falls on the night before Bel Tine. Both holidays fall on dates which are determined locally. The holiday is celebrated with visits to the homes of neighbours, family, and friends and the exchange of gifts with those visited.

Sunday, March 20: Bel Tine Bel Tine is a universal celebration of the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring. The date is determined locally, and usually occurs soon after the first crops begin to sprout and the first lambs of the new year are born. The evening before Bel Tine is Winternight. Both holidays are usually celebrated in Aine or Adar.

TarValon.net Events: Friday, March 18-20: Anniversary Party Fourth Anniversary Party at Snow Mountain Ranch in Grandby, Colorado. Go here for more details.

Birthdays by Leilwyn al'Raen

1. Moradi Lopanes
2. Analaiya na'Imrath
3. Maeric Kelskaith
3. Katina Ralstone
4. Alyssa Letherio
5. Nirodim Avellan
6. Kalis Flynn
6. Shirlyn Cheade
6. Addelyn al'Vera
7. Mar'Alex Gelis
8. Dralyn Montsier
10. Morwynna Raevyn
10. Jabe F Locke
12. Foraek Dragoran
13. Bakure Mazayed
13. Ne'Mireth Simoua
14. Darian Coralis
14. al'Rem Toruka
15. Sirena Taliba
15. Tallan Daar
15. Liana Ceana
17. Stasia t'Andrei
18. Melana al'Cairera
18. Kitiara al'Lionir
18. Tian el'Nvidia
24. Moah
26. Katarianna al'Leya
26. Miriya ay'Anne
28. Arn Oakenskye
29. Raleien din Arsenia
30. Minaka Aendamar

WoT Humor by Zyathlith Ridaltae

Mistakes on book covers seem to be a reoccurring element of every book in the WoT series. This site does an excellent job of pointing out every minute detail that iss wrong. Though we all know artists aren't perfect, Pam Korda says what we all are thinking when she asks "What is it with Those STOOPID Darrel Sweet Covers?" The site covers books one to seven and not only points out the mistakes but also gives ideas on what the cover could have been to fit the book better. Korda's page is hilarious, and it is most definitely worth a look and a laugh.

Fourth Anniversary Products by Kyla Sterling

This year marks TarValon.net's fourth anniversary, and our cafe press shop certainly reflects it! This year's logo was expertly designed by Neisa Sedai, and any member of the site would, I'm sure, be proud to own any of the incredible products available with the logo. Personally, I'd choose the hooded sweatshirt, because who doesn't love hoodies? Another good choice would be the teddy bear--oh-so-snugglable when you're dreaming of your Tower buddies--or the tote bag, to carry all your volumes around with you at all times. Don't forget the stein, for a touch of Randland in every day life!

As the Tower gears up for the fourth anniversary, help support the site by buying a piece of Tar Valon itself!

Site Highlight: Novice Tributes, in the Hall of Novices by Leilwyn al'Raen

The Hall of Novices is a beautiful and informative site, run by our Mistress of Novices Neisa Alibrylla Sedai for all of our female Junior Members. There are several sections within the site including links to the Constitution, the rules for novices, study tips for tests, and many other things.

The Hall of Novices also includes a section for Novice Tributes where poetry and stories have been written by or for our novices. Lealenya Terim Sedai has written a beautiful poem as featured on the first page, and the stories of novicehood by our current Aes Sedai are entertaining - to say the least! Be sure to check out the Novice Tributes page for a good laugh and some lovely reading.

Member of the Month: Leilwyn al'Raen by Cursor Wrathwind

Congratulations to Leilwyn Sedai for being chosen Member of the Month!

Mahdi'in d'ma Dieb by Al'Cary Mandoragon

Who would have thought it? After months of planning and discussion, TarValon.net's newest company has arrived. Mahdi'in d'ma Dieb, meaning Seekers of the Wind, is its name. MDD, as it is becoming known, promises to become a new and dynamic part of the community, and the starting group of members is sure to give it a unique feel.

Headed by Sataere Gaidin, this new company promises to be one of the most relaxed and humorous groups in Tar Valon. Sataere Gaidin, along with many of the senior admins including Jahem Gaidin, the new Honour Guard, has spent many hours developing the idea of the new company, sorting through the masses of suggestions fielded by Senior Members. With a rough idea in mind of what they wanted the company to be, the team of admins sorted through the mountains of applications, endeavouring to find the best balance of people to place in the new company.

The result of this is a bunch of men who are almost uniquely suited to working together to build both a successful company and a closely bonded group. Almost immediately a friendly repartee was present in the company conversations. With members like Sunri Gaidin and Bale Gaidin, not to mention our Honour Guard, some of the finest sarcastic wit Tar Valon has ever seen is gathered in one place. Once this group of men came together, we finally began to be able to work out the details of what this company would be.

Mahdi'in d'ma Dieb is in essence a laid back and relaxed group. While mostly very high performers, they tend to only give their best when a situation is beyond any other remedy, forming a last line of defence against failure. A member of MDD is able to both take and give a joke with grace and at least a bit of style. The respect of a member of MDD is hard won, but when it is gained it is often gained for life. A member of MDD realises that while planning and thought might be useful, it is the calculated risk taken in the heat of the moment that separates success from failure.

The other less important details followed on from this. Blue and Platinum are the company colours of MDD, while it's mascot is a fox. The company stone will be the Sodalite. The symbol created by Darim Gaidin is visibly recognisable in every MDD's signature, and despite claims to the contrary, it is in fact a fox, not a bat as suggested by some.

The creation of this new company is likely to be a milestone in the history of Tar Valon, and all of the new members look forward to being a part of this new chapter in our history.