• March 12, 2012 /  Old Mail

    To : Tobin Written: Tue Mar 6 03:31:54 2012
    Date: Solisda, Quintilis 15 353

    To the Hand of His Majesty,
    King Tobin ab Samael
    To the Hands of the Knights Lithmorran,
    My Lady Earl Marshall, My Lord Grand Master, and the Court ab Sevoi
    To the Hands of The Reeves,
    My Lord Justicar and Lord Proconsul

    Please forgive me this letter, but I must admit that I fear for my life,
    and so I am returning to Vandago for a time, perhaps indefinitely.
    However, before I go, I would care to make the following statements, though
    I’m fairly certain it will draw the very source of my fears to my door.

    I have been a foolish woman, I must admit this to you, and I hope to seek
    your forgiveness as peers as well as to warn you of what I fear may be
    disaster for Lithmore. If your eyes are not to weary, I beg you to read
    on, and I shall tell my story from the beginning.

    In my earliest days in Lithmore, Queen Gemara ab Harmon died, throwing
    Lithmore into chaos. During the aftermath, I became a secret supporter of
    His Majesty, Tobin ab Samael, but did not openly declare for him with the
    intent of seeing what would happen and how best I could move for my
    family’s advantage. As you likely know, I was nothing more than an heiress
    of my family’s business ventures, and I came here to Lithmore to look for
    my sister, Romana. I did not know she was an Inquisitor, but I was pleased
    to discover it.

    Well, personalities being as they are, Anschel of Amhurst approached me to
    ask for my support. I brushed him off, which earned the ire of a Miss
    Myranda le Argent, whom was well known for her temper. This is where I
    made my first mistake, and I’ve no doubt I’ll rue it forever. Miss le
    Argent, you see, was holding a party on her ship. Out of spite, or perhaps
    for my own amusement, I contacted the Brotherhood of Common goods and
    offered them a sizable deposit to have some of their members crash the
    event, and hopefully, provide as amusing diversion to guests. I should
    never have done so, as it set the stage for events to come.

    The Brotherhood took the money, but never showed. Instead, I livened it up
    myself by hiring the Town Crier to claim the ship was on fire. Meanwhile,
    the Count of Amhurst offered me Amhurst itself should I support him to
    become king. I told Tobin of the Count’s offering, and how I felt it would
    be a betrayal to my family to continue to support him given this. His
    Majesty immediately agreed to match Anschel’s offer, and I publically
    declared the Heritage Building Society for him.

    At about the same time, Myranda le Argent attempted to blackmail me for my
    contacting the Brotherhood. I assumed instantly that she was a member of
    the Brotherhood, and I wrote the Tenebrae explaining that I should never
    have aught to do with the Brotherhood again.

    Some time ago, the Holy Order discovered that the Tenebrae was a mage. Alas,
    I was never a privy to matters of The Inquisition. However, my sister warned
    me to stay away from the Brotherhood, having been aware of my earlier
    antics.

    So, I suppose at this time, I should tell you how it is that I became the
    patron of Julea Sanguine, the Sapiente of the Brotherhood of Common goods.

    I’ve become a patron of several people of Lithmore, seeking to ingratiate
    myself and become friends with the people of the city. I am a foreigner,
    so it seemed that if I were to be accepted, I should be of use. I visited
    the Theater and saw the Jester perform, so I offered her a role with my
    house. Much the same occurred with Julea Sanguine when I was bathing at
    the Vavardi Bathhouse with the Jester and Herazade op Persela.

    Julea entered the baths, and we all spoke amicably. I cannot remember
    precisely how it occurred, but I do know that I asked Julea if she would be
    able to assist me with posting posters around Lithmore. She suggested that
    I could trust her for more, but I indicated that I didn’t require her for
    anything, though as the Jester was not the typical gossipy Troubadour, I
    would appreciate it if she could keep me abreast of rumors. She agreed,
    and thus began her employment with myself.

    I was pleased with her service when she put out the posters to advertise my
    party, but I daresay we did not spend much time together. The matters of
    the Brotherhood and Remi LeBou were beyond me, however, and I was unaware
    at that time that my comments to Romana around the subject were feeding
    into a greater investigation. Meanwhile, however, my relationship with
    Julea Sanguine progressed in comfort. Though she hadn’t provided me any
    information on the rumors I’d asked for, she seemed loyal enough and fun to
    talk to. I was content.

    Matters seemed to change around the time I saw her when I encountered
    Amdair ab Lassider on his first night of return. I did not know him, so
    when he arrived asking strange questions, I sent for Julea to fetch the
    authorities and bring them to deal with the matter, and also to provide me
    with protection, should it be needed. She came with His Holiness, Remi
    LeBou, and Ariel op Orban.

    Count ab Lassider left with His Holiness, and I sent Julea to protect
    the latter given that I knew he was no soldier, which the Count appeared to
    be. Soon after, Ariel op Orban left as well, leaving Remi LeBou and myself
    alone. He told me how he felt I was foolish as Julea was no fighter and
    could not assist His Holiness if there was a fight. To whit, I heard
    rumors go about that I had threatened LeBou for that statement, but I tell
    you now, ’tis not true. I never threatened him. However, during our
    moment of privacy, I made a comment about Daravi magic, which I had
    believed could explained Amdair’s strange return. He lifted his hands and
    gained the most horrific of expressions – I had thought he was going to
    cast magic upon me – and then he made some poor joke about mages having no
    more oomph than farts. I reported this to my sister, of course, but that
    was my absolute last contact with Remi LeBou, and it was weeks before he
    was arrested. Certainly, I do not believe his arrest was based upon that,
    though I do believe with all my heart that it was a frightening experience,
    and that LeBou did intend me danger for my prejudice against magic.

    Soon thereafter (and honestly, it may have been soon before), Julea
    approached me and asked me if I had heard the news. I asked her what she
    was speaking of, stating that I had not. She told me she was Sapiente of
    the thieves and asked me if I should like to ‘join her family.’ Now, I must
    confess that when she hinted at the matter, she had provided enough
    information for me to guess, but I warned her off as I did not really want
    to know – if I did, according to His Holiness’ words, I would be obligated
    to turn her in to the Holy Order, my very own sister. Needless to say, I
    told her that I was not interested in joining the Brotherhood due to my
    previous falling out with the Tenebrae as well as my understanding that the
    Tenebrae was a mage.

    After a night of restless sleep, unsure of which way to turn, I made peace
    with the Lord of the Springs and contacted my sister. I told her that
    Julea claimed to be the Sapiente, and that she had ‘lied about leaving the
    Brotherhood’, which I had not known she was a part of until she told me
    about her role as Sapiente. Romana asked me to, carefully, find out who
    the Tenebrae was to assist her investigation. Naturally, I began to probe,
    and sent my results to Romana. I believe Julea did not know exactly what I
    was doing at first, but surely she did towards the end as her stories
    changed. I believe that she must have discovered that I exercised my
    loyalty to my sister, and this angered her.

    In any case, perhaps a few days after Julea told me she was Sapiente, I
    received a letter from Tenebrae. He stated that he had not spoken to me in
    some time, and said that I was to do everything he said, or someone would
    die at my party. I immediately informed the Reeves. In retrospect, this
    blackmailing attempt likely came as the result of my refusal to join. In
    any case, my Lord Justiciar wisely noted that whereas there was a threat,
    there were no actual demands, so I dug for them, writing a letter of
    capitulation.

    I also went to Julea and presented the letter of blackmail, demanding
    she tell me who the Tenebrae was. She did refuse, and so instead of press
    her further, I asked her to negotiate him to leave me in peace. She
    claimed to do so, and indeed, I received another letter (all three of these
    events were within mere days of one another) from the Tenebrae saying that
    he listens to Julea, and thus there would be a truce, and my party would be
    unmolested.

    At that time, Remi LeBou was arrested under suspicion of being Tenebrae,
    and hence a mage. I know little of the investigation because, regardless
    of what people may believe, my sister had no more contact with me during
    that time. She is a busy woman and I have my own affairs. I understand
    from meeting with her later that she had evidence turned over from many
    varying parties, but I believe that I may be being blamed for LeBou’s death
    by the Brotherhood as a whole.

    I do know I received further letters during Remi’s incarceration, though
    one I put down to simply my being late in collecting my mail and the other
    had an oddity about its signature. In any case, Julea later confessed to me
    that the latter mail was a forgery by one of the Tenebrae’s men.

    Here is where things become strange. Julea had been arrested at my party,
    but due to my own intoxication and other events that occurred, I retired
    early and remained secluded for some days to recover. I learned only later
    that she had been arrested, about the same time as I received the letters
    from Tenebrae. Knowing nothing of what was going on, I assumed that
    Julea’s arrest was linked to Remi LeBou’s as she was Sapiente. Also, I
    suppose I should have confessed earlier that I attempted to negotiate
    Julea’s safety with my sister in trying to provide her information
    regarding the Tenebrae, so I became angry with Romana. I approached His
    Holiness and attempted to get him to release Julea into my custody. I
    offered to take responsibility for her behavior and sign papers to that
    effect, but he turned me aside saying it was Romana’s decision, but it was,
    in his eyes, a perversion of justice.

    So, I went to Romana and demanded she release Julea as I felt there was no
    reason to hold her – she had, afterall, provided Romana information on the
    Tenebrae. I was unaware that Julea’s arrest wasn’t Romana’s doing, but was
    being carried out on behalf of His Majesty, and there were treason charges
    as well.

    Needless to say, the next time I saw Julea she was in the presence of
    Deviah ab Dominus, wearing the ring of His Holiness – whom she had once
    told me loved her. I was surprised to see her free, but pleased.
    Afterall, was my retainer not returned to me, and mostly safe? But she
    pointed to her foot where Romana had injured her during her Review, and
    seemingly deeply angry, spat hatred. Ab Dominus told me that he had never
    had to restort to torture during one of -his- Reviews. I said that I did
    not think that it was appropriate for him, as a High Inquisitor, to
    question the Grand Inquisitor’s methods. At this point, he told me that he
    used to be the Grand Inquisitor. I stated that if he held that against my
    sister, he ought not, as the decision was that of the Cardinal. He showed
    me his blade, inscribed with the word ‘Truth’ and said that ‘the truth will
    win out’. I felt this line of discussion was not healthy, so made to take
    my leave, and His Eminence said that he ‘hoped the truth would find me in
    the future.’

    So I wrote his Holiness and said that I did not know why I am being
    threatened, but I recognise a threat when I hear one. His Holiness wrote
    me back stating that I have nothing to fear, His Eminence is merely
    ‘eager’.

    I know this letter has been long, but I have only two more points to make.
    Firstly, Romana came to me and said that she had quit the office of Grand
    Inquisitor because of the lack of support from the Cardinal in her doing
    the Lord of the Spring’s work. She felt he forced her to release Sanguine,
    and every time someone spoke to her, they demanded evidence, which she
    provided, but not only did the Cardinal not support her, he actually asked
    her to re-review Sanguine because the case was ‘close to his heart’ and
    during the event, began to question her himself. She too intends to leave
    Lithmore for Vandago as she feels the Lord’s work has been subverted here.
    She also warned me of Julea Sanguine, saying that during the Review, the
    girl lied – she claimed she had never slept with LeBou, which was one of
    the many parallels I had given her, and further that she claimed during the
    review that I raped Ariel op Orban (a gross and hateful exaggeration of a
    mutually embarrassing, drunken encounter in which no one and nothing was
    injured but pride) and that I made up evidence against His Eminence that
    got him removed from the role of Grand Inquisitor – which I had absolutely
    nothing to do with at all; I didn’t even know his name until he introduced
    himself to me escorting Miss Sanguine that day.

    I believe that the Brotherhood blames me for the death of Remi LeBou, who I
    am not certain if he was or was not Tenebrae, though I believe the latter
    as I know my sister would not make up evidence. Also, I have actually
    heard of the strange events around his burning, which signifies to me that,
    at the very minimum, my sister was correct that he was a mage.

    Julea Sanguine claims that the Knights Lithmorran confiscated her keys, and
    thus that they have the key to my home. She even bashed down the front
    door to prove it, claiming that she had lost the one I provided her as a
    retainer. I believe she still has it, and intends to use it to gain entry
    when I do not expect it and see me murdered in revenge for the death of
    Remi LeBou and the injury my sister did to her during her review – she had
    threatened in private to kill Jei for slicing her face – she is unforgiving
    on these matters. Perhaps I am insane, but I am genuinely fearful of her.
    My sister claimed she was poison, ruining whatever she touches. I have not
    taken her from my payroll as I’m afraid to alert her that I’m packing my
    estate and running.

    In any case, I suppose whether or not the knights returned my keys to
    her is easy enough to verify?

    Your Majesty, I apologize for this long letter and my immediate absence. I
    had attempted to meet with you to explain these things, but I understand
    you were busy – I hope it is not because you are angered towards me.

    In final conclusion, I swear this entire letter to be the truth of all
    matters as well as I can recall them, the Lord of the Springs be my
    witness.

    Sincerely,
    Chloe von Dmitreva
    The Countess of Garod

    To : Tobin Written: Sun Mar 4 07:34:27 2012
    Date: Solisda, Quintilis 8 353

    To the Hand of His Majesty, King Tobin ab Samael:

    Your Majesty,

    I have many things on my mind of late, and I hope that you will receive my
    letter in kindness despite your recent strife with my sister. Firstly, as
    per our discussion, I believe I have soothed her ruffled feathers. You
    will no longer find her subverting your activities – I hope you will
    consider removing your subversion of hers as well, given that it affects
    myself, and I am your loyal subject.

    In speaking of loyalty, I do wish to take a moment and confess a mistake,
    as well as offer an apology. When Julea Sanguine was arrested, I assumed
    it was to do with the arrest of Remi LeBou. You see, I had discovered that
    Julea was Sapiente, and loyalty to my sister and the Holy Order ensured
    that I could not be silent on the matter, however so I wished it. Romana
    asked me to discover as much as I could about the Tenebrae through Julea,
    but as Julea was my retainer, I agreed upon the condition that Julea would
    be safe. When Julea was arrested, knowing nothing of Your Majesty’s hand,
    I believed Romana had changed her mind.

    I attempted to force Julea’s release, and failing to do so, slipped her a
    letter that stated I would assist her to escape. I did not know that in
    doing so, I was interfering with your wishes. Thus, I wish to apologize to
    you, Your Majesty, and hope that you hold no ill will towards me.

    Thank you for your moment of attention.

    Sincerely,
    Chloe

    To : Chloe Written: Sat Mar 3 12:41:37 2012
    Date: Circadi, Quintilis 5 353

    My Lady,

    Yes, though I thought speaking to His Majesty would be needed in this, it
    seems that the Lord Proconsul was able to, thankfully, have the treason
    charges dropped. Afterwards, I was able to obtain a dropping of the
    possession suspicion as well. Dav be thanked Justice and Truth came to
    pass.

    Now, to the matter of Deviah Dominus, please forgive His Eminence’s actions
    in this case. He’s a good man and we all have been through a lot in the
    Order with these recent cases. They weigh on us, but we know we have done
    the right thing. Still, such things can try a man’s resolve. Though this
    does not excuse what you’ve seen, it offers some explanation. I trust
    Archbishop Dominus. This is why he was given the station he was.

    I’ll again make my offer for a spot of tea. You likely have a very busy
    schedule, as do I, but such chances at a little rest and a chance to better
    know those of my flock are things I rarely get and look forward to.

    In the meantime, do receive my blessing on you and your good work.

    In Faith,
    B. Piuso
    Cardinal of Lithmore

    This letter is sealed with a depiction of Saint Celeste and Saint Aelwyn
    bowing, on opposing sides, of the chalice.

    To : Benedictus Written: Sat Mar 3 05:02:54 2012
    Date: Balasdes, Quintilis 4 353

    Your Holiness,

    My thoughts are scattered as I write this letter to you, and I hope you
    hold my words in a kind light.

    I am ever so pleased that Your Holiness’ efforts to free Miss Julea
    Sanguine were successful. Dare I ask how it happened? I know we planned
    to see His Majesty together and seek to drop suit, but obviously that did
    not occur… No matter however, as the results were quite satisfactory.

    However, there is a matter that troubles me. Please understand, I seek no
    restitution, nor activity on my behalf – rather, I would simply let you
    know what occurred this afternoon. I came upon Deviah ab Dominus assisting
    Miss Sanguine down the street – this is how I learned she was finally free.
    Well, she was, to be blunt, upset and angered that my sister had injured
    her, and made a point of saying that it was because of me. She had
    previously told me that His Majesty arrested her on charges of being a
    Siren. I’ve heard of such things, but do not believe in them. Regardless,
    I fail to see what that has to do with me. In any case, I commented that I
    suppose Romana must have felt obligated to enact her office, and that I
    understand Reviews can become quite invasive. I expressed that I was happy
    that Julea’s case did not appear to be as extreme as others I’ve knowledge
    of.

    At this point, His Eminence chimed in saying that -his- Reviews rarely
    required torture. I commented that it tis hardly seemly for a High
    Inquisitor to question the Grand Inquisitor’s work, and he told me that he
    had been the Grand Inquisitor before. I said that if he held ire towards
    my sister for the loss of that position, I felt it was better taken up with
    you as than my sister. He then told me that he held no ire towards his
    fellow priests, but the truth would win out. He then took out his blade,
    being sure to display to me that the word ‘Truth’ was engraved into the
    weapon.

    This in and of itself did not concern me, though I have to admit I found it
    somewhat venial. However, I do know my manners and said naught at all to
    provoke him, even when he pressed the question as to why he would find ire
    with Romana. I must admit, I pretended to ‘accidentally’ bump into a
    passerby to avoid needing to answer His Eminence in a manner that would
    provoke him, and I bid him farewell. This is when he told me that he hopes
    “that the Truth shall find me in my future endeavors.”

    I will be frank, your Eminence. It is possible that he thought himself
    merely playing clever. In fact, ’tis most likely, and I know that he will
    also say I read too much into words. However, I can think of nothing at
    all that I could have done to deserve a threat, and I recognize a threat
    when I hear one. I am mildly offended, but such things can pass. However,
    I daresay that this man shows poorly for The Holy Order.

    Sincerely,
    Chloe von Dmitreva
    Countess of Garod

    (Written in Vandagan)
    To : Romana Written: Thu Mar 1 08:17:58 2012
    Date: Arendas, June 26 353

    Dear Romana,

    It’s come to my attention that Julea was arrested at the order of His
    Majesty. His Holiness claims that she’s been put to The Inquisition.

    I beg you to remember your promise that Julea would not be arrested so long
    as she was in good stead with myself, and her information assisted in the
    apprehension of the Tenebrae. I believe my side of this agreement has been
    fulfilled, and I plead with you to uphold yours. I know His Majesty is a
    powerful man, and I know that were I in your shoes, I would capitulate to
    to His Majesty, afterall, Julea is in theory, no one.

    However, thus far, she has been a loyal retainer. His Majesty has turned
    his interests directly against ours, and I see no reason we would assist
    him until he ceases his subversion, and that is when I am thinking kindly
    on him for he had Julea arrested without a word to me, her patron.

    Can you tell me aught about the charges of treason and possession? His
    Holiness knew more of the latter, but seemed stunningly unaware of the
    reasons for the former.

    I am preparing to publicly approach His Majesty with His Holiness and
    others to challenge the case of Treason with His Majesty. I beg you to
    consider what this might look like if she is not exonerated of possession
    – or exorcised. Perhaps an exorcism can be performed? In this manner, the
    Holy Order retains its authority and has done its righteous duty…

    I digress, my sister. Please, consider my words and burn this letter.

    Sincerely,
    Chloe
    To : Benedictus Written: Thu Mar 1 06:36:52 2012
    Date: Arendas, June 26 353

    Your Holiness,

    Thank you kindly for your letter. I have provided my sister the support
    that is required as a dutiful Davite, and I understand that the charges
    against Remi LeBou are extreme, but I beg of you, please intercede and
    spare the life of my retainer, Miss Julea Sanguine.

    I know it is a grave sin for me to desire such, but I believe Julea to be
    innocent with all of my heart. She has been betrayed by those close to
    her, but for this, she does not deserve death.

    My sister is a holy woman, Your Holiness. She will do things by the
    letter, and I know she would be right if her investigations led her to
    believe it was appropriate to cleanse Julea, but surely there is some
    intercession that could be made on her behalf with the Lord of the Springs?

    Please, your Holiness, I beg you.

    Sincerely,
    CvD

    To : Chloe Written: Wed Feb 29 14:18:29 2012
    Date: Lunisda, June 23 353

    My Lady,

    Your sister, Her Holy Honour, spoke to me about your involvement in the
    inquisitions and Reviews of some of our more recent cases.

    I’d like to extend my personal thanks for any good work on your part. The
    Church always appreciates those who extend a hand to help us in our
    venerable mission. Perhaps, some time, we could get the chance to sit down
    and meet eachother properly. I’m afraid I’ve neglected to get to know you
    in the past and based on the what I’ve heard from my Grand Inquisitor and
    from the little I’ve seen, we should work to correct that.

    Also, I attended your party.. Very enjoyable. I am sorry that I could not
    extend the exemption from Cardinal Red, but I had my reasons which, in my
    mind were good enough. Regardless, it was certainly an interesting night
    for the little of it I was able to stay.

    Yours in Faith,
    B. Piuso
    Cardinal of Lithmore

    This letter is sealed with a depiction of Saint Celeste and Saint Aelwyn
    bowing, on opposing sides, of the chalice.

    To : Gavin Written: Tue Feb 28 08:31:49 2012
    Date: Arendas, June 19 353

    My Lord Justiciar and Your Holy Honor,

    Please forgive me that I could not find the time to write you sooner, but I
    have received the following letters. As promised, I forward their contents
    to you:

    ========== ENCLOSED ===========
    [Insert two letters from “Tenebrae” – the first is real, the 2nd a
    “forgery by one of his men” said Julea. Their contents can be found below.]
    ========== END LETTERS ===========

    I should like to note that I suspect the latter to be a forgery – all
    letters that I have ever received from the Tenebrae have been
    signed off with “Shadows be with you,” but the last. Still, I
    feel it is only appropriate that I forward these on to you for your
    consideration. However, if it is a forgery, the author did know the
    contents of my final correspondence to the Tenebrae.

    Sincerely,
    Chloe von Dmitreva

    To : Ariel Written: Tue Feb 28 08:22:12 2012
    Date: Arendas, June 19 353

    Master op Orban,

    I reluctantly accept your long-winded apology. It is surely best for us
    both to keep such matters quiet – as quiet as possible in a city that loves
    nothing more than gossip. Needless to say, I’ve no need for more enemies.

    I consider the matter closed.

    Sincerely,
    Chloe von Dmitreva

    To : Chloe Written: Mon Feb 27 22:31:38 2012
    Date: Solisda, June 17 353

    Countess von Dmitreva,

    I had been informed you were unaware of my identity at the party, which I
    hadn’t realized. My memory of the night is somewhat unclear, considering
    that I had consumed some item of food that turned out to be drugged.

    My confession to my lady occurred while I was still under the effects of
    whatever strange drugs I unwittingly consumed at your party, when she saw
    the bruises on my wrists from my attempts to free myself and questioned me
    as to what happened. Regrettably, I have always been quite susceptible to
    the effects of drugs.

    Rest assured, my lady, that had I not been in an altered state of mind I
    would not have entered your bedroom in the first place. As I’ve stated
    before, you are a very attractive woman, but I am obedient to the laws and
    words of Dav and seek to avoid sinful behavior. Certainly were I inclined
    to such dalliances, I would have been honored by your interest.

    No embarrassment was intended, but I am sure we can both agree that the
    best course of action in this situation is – as my Lady suggested, not
    threatened – letting it be simply forgotten.

    Sincerely,
    Ari op Orban

    To : Ariel Written: Mon Feb 27 21:28:27 2012
    Date: Solisda, June 17 353

    Master op Orban,

    I don’t even know where to begin with this.

    Not only, does it seem, I am to forgive a man for leading me on and
    embarassing me at my own party, then kindly informing his mistress of the
    whole affair so that she may attempt to pressure me into submission, but
    I’m to do all of this without even an apology?

    Goodness, you people must think I’m a saint.

    Sincerely,
    Chloe von Dmitreva

    (A crude sketch of Saint Celeste weeping, holding a dagger in her hands, is
    drawn here in black ink with a hasty scribble of red over the breast where
    her heart is and the caption: “The Lord of the Springs forgives, not I”.)

    To : Chloe Written: Mon Feb 27 17:40:59 2012
    Date: Solisda, June 17 353

    My lady Countess,

    The Lady dul Damassande was referring to the unfortunate incident that
    occurred between us at your party. She is merely concerned that you might
    consider I have done you some sort of wrong, and attempt to pursue some
    form of retribution; as I am her retainer, she of course wishes to ensure
    that the matter be laid peacefully and discreetly to rest.

    I am sure it is your wish as well as mine that what happened be dismissed
    and forgotten without further reference to the affair?

    Sincerely,
    Ari op Orban
    Court Bard of Lyndale

    To : Ariel Written: Mon Feb 27 15:23:36 2012
    Date: Lunisda, June 16 353

    Master op Orban,

    I received the enclosed missive, attributed to your mistress, and I
    am baffled as we have had no contact for many months?

    ========== ENCLOSED COPY ==========
    [Marisa’s letter below enclosed into this letter.]
    ========== END LETTER ==========

    The letter appears authentic, but given that it contains a threat, if a
    subtly worded one, I’m sure you can imagine that my disposition on
    the matter is unkind.

    Have you said or done something to cause strife between House Dmitreva
    and Damassande, or is this letter a patent forgery? If the latter,
    then I imagine that a particular enemy of mine is up to his
    old tricks.

    Sincerely,
    Chloe von Dmitreva
    Countess of Garod

    To : Chloe Written: Sun Feb 26 04:19:57 2012
    Date: Votumas, June 11 353

    Don’t get too comfortable. I may still be wanting to take you up on
    that offer of your bed. For now my demands are to keep quiet. Let things
    play out.

    -T-

    To : Chloe Written: Sat Feb 25 03:45:26 2012
    Date: Circadi, June 7 353

    Dictated by the Lady Chancellor dul Damassande:

    Lady Garod,

    I understand that there was a small matter of a misunderstanding between
    you and my bard, Ariel op Orban. It would of course be best if this
    misunderstanding could be considered fully rectified at this point and put
    behind everyone. I see no reason that it needs have happened.

    Should further clarification be required, it can be made quite explicitly
    clear.

    Marisa dul Damassande

    *stamped across the bottom in wax with a series of seals:
    an encircled D, House Damassande’s rampant stallions standing
    respectant with a lavish fountain between them, and the crown
    of the Royal Treasury’s Chancellor of the Exchequer*

    To : Chloe Written: Thu Feb 23 05:45:08 2012
    Date: Balasdes, Maius 30 353

    My dear. You can have your little party. I will not complicate it.

    You are lucky that one we both happen to have an interest in the one
    that stayed my hand. And it is because of her that I have no interest
    in sharing the bed of a whore. But others in the fold might. I will
    advise them of your interest.

    No matter. I will stay down in my portion of the city and you in yours.
    There is no need for a war between us. Truce.

    Shadows be with you,
    -T-

    To : Julea Written: Wed Feb 22 17:03:13 2012
    Date: Votumas, Maius 28 353

    Dearest Jules,

    I am so relieved to receive your letter. Thank you.

    Sincerely,
    Chloe

    To : Chloe Written: Wed Feb 22 06:41:54 2012
    Date: Lunisda, Maius 26 353

    Dearest Chloe,

    The Tenebrae -does- listen to his Sapiente.

    There will be no murder. There will be a truce.

    Jules.

    Posted by Fox Countess @ 6:54 pm