By Donovaine Gaidal

Llymlaen’s Winds have been performing together for five years and have blended the varying musical talents of their members increasingly well over that time. They recently returned to their home state of Gridania after spending the last year touring Eorzea and scheduled a performance at the amphitheater to celebrate their return. Their set included old favorites such as “The Old Goblet” and “Nomad Part of Town” as well as some of their newer pieces, including “Flower of the Shroud.”

The group consists of four members, each with their own unique musical talents. Their vocalist, Ry’nia Jarrah is in possession of a haunting voice which lends itself well to a melancholy ballad. The lute is played by Wyergbart, utilizing a custom-built instrument better suited to his larger handspan. Their drummer, Kiruru, has a boundless enthusiasm combined with a stage presence that one would not expect given her diminutive stature. The final member is John Malynn, an expert in both the fiddle and hammered dulcimer.

I last saw the Winds perform a year and a half ago and it is plain to see the improvement within the group since. When last I witnessed them there was raw potential, but they were still somewhat unbalanced. At the time, Malynn was still new to the group having replaced their previous leading man who went only by the name of “Shau.” Shau quit the group in a dramatic departure that threatened to tear them apart, but the addition of Malynn has benefited their performances to no end. In fact, it appears that the egotism of their former member was holding them back from truly unifying their sound – Malynn has managed to fit in seamlessly with the other three in a way that the showboating Shau never did.

Their set was well thought out, starting off with the lively “Murray’s Wife” and keeping up the tempo through “The Carpenter” and “The Captain’s Grog” before moving into a slower segment, starting out with “Forget-me-not.” Their performance of “Flower of the Shroud” was particularly moving, bringing a fresh take on a traditional song which has seen many variations by different ensembles over the years. Afterward, they moved to a slightly faster pace with a never before heard piece entitled “She had a Moogle’s eyes, but a Goobbue’s breath.” They rounded out their set with a spirited performance of their most popular song, “Wanderlust” which had many in the assembled crowd dancing and singing along. The crowd called for an encore which the Winds were happy to provide – although instead of performing any of their written pieces they chose to simply start playing and see where the music took them. What followed was an interesting experience which was somewhat hit-and-miss. While at times they were truly energizing, at others they felt somewhat disjointed. However, I find it hard to truly criticize them for this…it was a bold move when they could have simply repeated an earlier song and some of the segments deserved to be expanded out into proper pieces.

Gridanian stage.

The Winds now plan to take time off to recover from their tour and work on new material, which will include a new direction for the group. While they have historically focused almost exclusively on reworking traditional Gridanian songs, during their travels they picked up several numbers from Ul’dah and Limsa Lominsa which they now plan to adapt into their own musical style. A tune I am particularly keen to see their rendition of is an old favorite of mine, “Ul’dah Wedding.” This is a group which we will certainly see more of in the future and one I expect great things from.

(Donovaine Gaidal is the new musical correspondent for the Tonberry’s Lantern. He spent over forty years as a traveling bard and presently resides in Gridania with his wife, Mirielle. He continues to write music and occasionally still performs.)

By Illuminati

A horoscope is a chart or diagram representing the positions of the sun, moon, and stars used to predict a person’s future. A moon’s lifespan is four cycles of the eight suns equaling thirty-two days or one month. A year is complete when the moons go around the world’s astral and umbral poles, encompassing each of the six elements. Each new moon is ruled over by a specific god or goddess and the element they embody. When a person is born under the rule of a particular deity, it is said their personality and events in their life is determined by the configuration of the constellations they were born under.

It is imperative to note that while you may choose to worship whichever guardian you please, your horoscope is determined by the deity you were born under.

1st Astral Moon : Halone (Ice)
Adventuring is very rewarding this month, yet you will still manage to find ways to break the routine. You are very busy expanding your world view, whether it’s through actual travel or listening to others stories this month. In conversation you may come across as opinionated, but it’s more likely enthusiasm for sharing your thoughts. Romance is to be found when you are enjoying non-routine activities. This month presents a nice balance of recognition and accomplishment, as well as recreation and love. A stellar romantic opportunity occurs on the first week of the month, and professional rewards arrive later that week. Don’t wait to make resolutions regarding health and fitness—the time is now.

1st Umbral Moon : Menphina (Ice)
Sharing, intimacy, finances, and power plays all figure strongly for you this month. In the first three weeks of the month, you are thinking strategically, making plans, and watching others around you more than you are participating. Your observations will serve you well and your credibility will soar! The last week of the month brings with it an abundance of educational opportunities, most likely involving a friend, who has been going through a lot of changes recently. Seize the opportunity when it presents itself and you will not be sorry! This person has a lot to share with you and will benefit even more from your insight.

2nd Astral Moon : Thaliak (Water)
Balancing your needs with those around you involves plenty of compromise this month. Times like these require a certain amount of tact and a need to let others take center stage for the time being. Your time is coming very soon and it may be in your best interest to sit back and relax! A loan or repayment is likely to make headlines for you towards the middle of the month. Make sure you accept it graciously as your tact will enable you in the future. At this time an intimate conversation with someone will turn out unexpected results! A personal project could prove a great success around the end of the month. Lay low but be ready to dive into business endeavors with vigor.

2nd Umbral Moon : Nymeia (Water)
Health, fitness, and well-being should be your aims this month. The time is now to make sure you’re taking care of yourself! You are raring to go, ready to completely rework your daily life. You have more energy than usual for work, projects, and anything that involves reorganizing and restructuring. This is a great time to focus on honing your crafting skills. Taking care of details is what’s on your mind now. The last week of the month brings intense energy to a partnership or significant relationship. The need for changes in your approach to a partnership becomes apparent now.

3rd Astral Moon : Llymlaen (Wind)
The first three weeks of the month are exciting and stimulating for you. This is a highly romantic and creative period for you. You have special magnetic appeal, extra energy, and a real yearning for excitement now. Those with creative endeavors will be on a roll, producing more than ever, and publishing opportunities may be forthcoming. Perhaps it’s a good time to start looking at writing for a newspaper, magazine or another creative project to help you shine. The last week of the month features a job offer or opportunity, possibly an incredible adventuring party experience. Your charisma knows no bounds during this time and you have all the energy in the world to meet expectations.

3rd Umbral Moon : Oschon (Wind)
A scurry of activity with your friends is in store for you this month. You are busy with preparations, repairs, and re-organizing—and enjoying every minute of it! It’s a fabulous time to get your crafting and endeavors in order and functioning smoothly. The last week of the month is positively intense for romance and intimacy. An exciting proposal or opportunity regarding love, recreation, and creativity comes your way. This time of the year is likely to be especially magical and memorable. Love will find it’s way to you!

4th Astral Moon : Byregot (Lightning)
An especially busy schedule is in store for you in the first three weeks of the month. It may get a little hectic with several errands to run and you’ll have more ideas then you can realistically implement. You can look forward to plenty of contact with friends, siblings, and neighbors during the month. This the time for you to focus on socializing, and you’ll come across very smoothly. The last week of the month is revealing and perhaps intense for family matters. Someone you care for in your family needs your help and you’ll be primed to take on the challenges they bring you. Although all of this may sound very draining, from the middle of the month forward you can expect great energy for attraction, entertainment, and romance.

4th Umbral Moon : Rhalgr (Lightning)
Your communication skills are excellent this month! Don’t be afraid to put together an adventuring group and dive into the role of leader. In many ways, this is a “money month” for you as well. You enjoy renewed energy and enthusiasm for increasing your income so get down to the Market Wards! Don’t be surprised if you get that extra bonus in a guild leve or that treasure chest that truly makes a difference in your life! However, you could also be taking on a bigger work load if you’re not careful with your business endeavors. If you’re waiting for money in the form of a loan or repayment of a debt to you, it’s likely to arrive around the Full Moon. This is a banner month for finances, communications, and learning.

5th Astral Moon : Azeyma (Fire)
Energy, verve, and confidence are with you this month, until the last week when your life winds down, quite appropriately! Until then, it’s hustle and bustle, and matters are definitely working in your favor. A new proposal involving money comes to you in the last week of the month so be ready to listen. A love interest seems to have your best interests at heart, however, this may be false so be wary of those who may take advantage of you. This is a time to be pursuing your own personal endeavors. Writers and artists are especially inspired during this period so make sure you set aside time to let those creative juices flow!

5th Umbral Moon : Nald’thal (Fire)
Issues revolving around your family and the past capture too much of your attention right now. It’s a great time for reflecting on what has gone right with your life. While others are racing around, you are enjoying a sense of peace. The last week of the month begins a power period that you will carry with you for a long time. Tremendous energy and initiative is with you as you embark on a journey of internal change and personal discovery. Don’t be afraid to spend some time on spirituality and treating yourself well. Now is a time to focus on your own interests and put love on the back burner for a while. The key to harnessing your energy is focus—a natural talent for you! This month you can move mountains.

6th Astral Moon : Nophica (Earth)
This month is ripe with opportunity for envisioning new projects and goals for your future. Friends, acquaintances, and linkshells will certainly keep you busy. Romance, however, is mostly quiet until after the middle of the month when Menphina, the goddess of love, enters your sign. She stays there for several weeks, bestowing upon you beautiful energy for attracting what and who you want into your life. It’s a mostly easy time, save for some impulsive energy mid-month, when overspending or speculation could be costly. Steer clear of impulse buys in the Market Wards!

6th Umbral Moon : Althyk (Earth)
In most ways, this is a high profile month for you, except for on a romantic level, which is satisfyingly private. You may be put “in charge” of a private matter. Secrets are revealed that may help your bank balance as well as your social credibility. Intense energy comes from a friend in the last week of the month. It’s virtually impossible to escape professional attention! The middle of the month is especially fortunate for work and financial matters. Your work is recognized and rewarded, you come across as especially competent, and you experience a professional peak of sorts. Make sure to invite a few friends along next time you pick up a guild leve. It will not disappoint!