Topics

["To my most beautiful and firehearted Ambassador Rezifa,Hello! It is I! Fritz!I'm your biggest fan. I had the pleasure of watching you pushover all the prudes in those Assembly Chambers during that whole Refugee Army debacle. I love strong, powerful women who don't take shit from anyone.Ephia's Well has disappointed me as a migrant. It was suppose to be the Citadel of Whores; the Land of Opportunity. But everyone here, despite being so rich, is just so cheap! People are constantly trying to get me to bribe them without bribing back. Janissaries destroyed my nook out of spite and at least half of my clients haven't paid their dues. This place is a scam! But I did develop a particular appetite during my stay here. And what do you know, I happen to be great at it?VIOLENCE!So, I've decided I'm going to grab up what I can here and go pirate in Qadira. I prefer the Sea of Pearls anyway.That said, I still have a few days here. If you'd like someone to get something done for you, remember this!I have no boundaries, no shame and absolutely no problem with anything and everything you ask me to do.Just remember I like gifts and praise!~ Fritz"]

*Handed in person.*

[hide]

"To my most beautiful and firehearted Ambassador Rezifa,

Hello! It is I! Fritz!

I'm your biggest fan.

I had the pleasure of watching you pushover all the prudes in those Assembly Chambers during that whole Refugee Army debacle.

I love  strong, powerful  women who don't take shit from anyone.

Ephia's Well has disappointed me as a migrant. It was suppose to be the Citadel of Whores; the Land of Opportunity. But everyone here, despite being so rich, is just so cheap! People are constantly trying to get me to bribe them without bribing back. Janissaries destroyed my nook out of spite and at least half of my clients haven't paid their dues. This place is a scam! But I did develop a particular appetite during my stay here. And what do you know, I happen to be great at it?

VIOLENCE!

So, I've decided I'm going to grab up what I can here and go pirate in Qadira. I prefer the Sea of Pearls anyway.

That said, I still have a few days here. If you'd like someone to get something done for you, remember this!

I have no boundaries, no shame and absolutely no problem with anything and everything you ask me to do.

Just remember I like gifts and praise!

~ Fritz"

[/hide]

["To my most burly, murderous and handsome Galen,I need you to do something for me. It's going to involve killing something horribly and violently.It'll be fun!Let's meet soon.~ Fritz"]

"To my most burly, murderous and handsome Galen,

I need you to do something for me. It's going to involve killing something horribly and violently.

It'll be fun!

Let's meet soon.

~ Fritz"

[[V5 Research/Historical Insight here]]

A long time ago, a champion of the Peerage Ward made a whisper following the defeat of a great evil.

[hide]Synia Winespill:

"Overly bold, brave, and ever lacking wisdom. You'll be missed Meryl, even if ever a pain in my side. Your mother will know of your bravery and how you destroyed a lich this day."[/hide]

And she would.

I saw a unique opportunity with this chapter's transition that I haven't in previous efu chapters. Mostly because I've missed those major transitions. That was to explore the story of something we don't often get a chance to look at every time a pc (especially a younger one) gets killed.

The family they left behind.

For those of you who don't know, Isabella was the mother of Meryl Fitzgerald. The PC I was most proud of/attached to in V5. She was originally part of a dual concept (mourning parents in life after the Ringfall) with Ellanher de Veend who, unfortunately, had to duck out from the story early due to irl circumstances (you're missed!). I originally planned to have her at it as a regular politician in Ephia's Well (and to some extent she was), but tl;dr had her finding more success as a trader/merchant than anything else. So that's what she developed into, mixing her serviceable fortunes with politics, faith and life.

I originally designed her as a non-combatant, which made most of her roles revolve around supporting others. Be it financially, through goods or simply honoring  B'aara's tenants as a healer. Her main hobbies were mainly from her peerage upbringing; poetry and painting the most obvious.

What made Isabella's story different/special to me was her attachment to her daughter, and how I used my own attachment to that particular PC (as her creator) to get a sensation of what it'd be like trying to go on in life after losing your child. I don't recommend it. I was sobbing and crying very often irl getting into that mindset and wouldn't wish it on anyone. Still glad I got to explore it though. It helped breath in some humanity into my roleplay that was felt like it was just straight up missing in chapter 5.

Her motives/background were simple and built off the tragedies of V5, the spirituality of The Wheel (especially with her likeness to Mother B'aara), finding a sense of purpose in living and her love for her family. If you want the full story, know it's long but informative and an excellent reference for people (particularly new players who want to play as refugees of the Old City) who want to get an idea of what day-to-day life was like in The City of Rings.

[V5 Research/Historical Insight here]
https://www.efupw.com/forums/index.php?topic=706993.0

I'm not sorry to see her story end. Even as I weep, there's peace and closure in seeing her suffering finally come  with an end to her road. Even if she didn't get to make any significant impact on the story/setting or achieve anything of note, it was still worthwhile getting to interact with all the different PCs who made her last months in life as eventful as they were.

Now that she's dead, I can safely say that the starting area with that tear-inducingly beautiful music was the perfect theme for the mourning mother of Ephia's Well. Seriously, every time I wanted to quit from the depressive mindset or sense of meaninglessness, that single track got me through (I kept visiting B'aara's temple for a reason, people!). I would love if it someone gave me the name of that music.

And now, some screenshots. This is my first legit orbituary, so mind any misteps/anything missing from this list.

[Ten years later, momma learns how to thonk!]
[hide]

[/hide]

[Exploring!]
[hide]








[/hide]

[Ephira's Well and the FIRST WAVE]
[hide]






[/hide]

[Politics in Ephia's Well]
[hide]





[/hide]

[Friends and Family]
[hide]




[/hide]


[Comedic Relief]
[hide]






[/hide]

[The Mourning Mother]
[hide]

[/hide]

[The Mourning Parents]
[hide][/hide]

[Isabella's Greatest Loot]
[hide][/hide]

[Isabella's Greatest Achievement]
[hide][/hide]



[Isabella's Lost Art Gallery]
[hide]

~Home and Hearth; The Steadings~

~The Peerage Ward~

~(Isabella's) Mother in Mourning~

~The Golden Years of Ticker Square~

~The Monster; Man~

~A Daughter Mourning~

~The Sacking of Ticker Square~

~Return to the Peerage; A Daughter's Wroth~

~The Ziggurat of Ishmenka Blacksmile~

~A Mother's Loss; A World Without Hers~

~The Wanderer's Road; Life After Death~

~The Promise of The Wheel~

~Streets of Ephia's Well~

~The Garden to Be; A Mother's Love~

[/hide]




[Isabella's Most Prized Paintings]
[hide]

~Edha's Gift; What can Never Be Again~

~The Daughter, Forever Loved~

[/hide]


And now a final farewell to Isabella Fitzgerald as we send her off to rest with her daughter, courtesy of Otto Swanson from Chapter 5.


[hide]

Live bright, die beautiful.

No lies to blind, no masks to hide the beauty inside.

Live bright, die beautiful.

Never yield, to other's deigns, to yourself, be leal.

Live bright, die beautiful.

Life and soul true, never being anyone but you.

Live bright, die beautiful.

By your heart, even in the pitch of dark.

Live bright, die beautiful.

The life of brief, in death, you go, real and free.

[/hide]

["Dear Khalid,I have a message I'd like to see made over the bellows. Please ensure people know it's from me, and not you, humble messenger of Warad.I'll be sure to compensate you for the trouble when next we meet.Some things need to be said.~ Isabella de VeendP.S If it's too vulgar, feel free to abscond from a word or two."]

"Dear Khalid,

I have a message I'd like to see made over the bellows. Please ensure people know it's from me, and not you, humble messenger of Warad.

I'll be sure to compensate you for the trouble when next we meet.

Some things need to be said.

~ Isabella de Veend

P.S If it's too vulgar, feel free to abscond from a word or two."

[hide][/hide]
[hide][/hide]
[hide][/hide]

["Dear Cosine,I apologize if I upset anyone at the tower. Both in regards to the incident and leaving Ephia's Well. You understand, I trust, why any faith I had in any trials to see justice done was shattered.It's not easy. I feel lonely sometimes, despite being surrounded by hale and hearty people. I feel torn from The Mother; now that there is no longer a temple to weep with her in. I feel, again, like a woman hiding behind gates and doors with no company to sally with anywhere but the vicious tundra that'd devour her whole. It doesn't help Ellan's still on his mission.I intend to meet with my Oathseekers again. This time I will be letting them go. There's too many reasons not to. I hope you'll seriously consider keeping them close and honed to that greater mission. However that looks.I'm still not giving up on the divination. I never will. Even if I have to become a competitive buyer for baublium in the market.If you are past the point you're willing to help me, though, I won't grievance you over it.I hope you're alright. You sounded anxious over the bellows last night.Come visit anytime you want.~ Isabella"]

"Dear Cosine,

I apologize if I upset anyone at the tower. Both in regards to the incident and leaving Ephia's Well. You understand, I trust, why any faith I had in any trials to see justice  done was shattered.

It's not easy. I feel lonely sometimes, despite being surrounded by hale and hearty people. I feel torn from The Mother; now that there is no longer a temple to weep with her in. I feel, again, like a woman hiding behind gates and doors with no company to sally with anywhere but the vicious tundra that'd devour her whole. It doesn't help Ellan's still on his mission.

I intend to meet with my Oathseekers again. This time I will be letting them go. There's too many reasons not to. I hope you'll seriously consider keeping them close and honed to that greater mission. However that looks.

I'm still not giving up on the divination. I never will. Even if I have to become a competitive buyer for baublium in the market.

If you are past the point you're willing to help me, though, I won't grievance you over it.

I hope you're alright. You sounded anxious over the bellows last night.

Come visit anytime you want.

~ Isabella"

["Dear Harith,It should be illegal for anyone to be selling others in the way Sol Auk did. I hope to hear a stance being taken against it in the Citadel's assemblies.You were compassionate and wise to release Mirit. More than a few refugees in Ephia's Well have ill memory of the sibilant scourge who enslaved our ancestors.I'm among them.It's an evil that will only destroy the relationship of the Sultan and the people.My praise and prayers to you tonight.~ I.M.MP.S Slavery and conscription are lined by who benefits from the arrangement. It became the former the moment dinars started fattening the purse of that roiling mass of fat and vile."]

"Dear Harith,

It should be illegal for anyone to be selling others in the way Sol Auk did. I hope to hear a stance being taken against it in the Citadel's assemblies.

You were compassionate and wise to release Mirit. More than a few refugees in Ephia's Well have ill memory of the sibilant scourge who enslaved our ancestors.

I'm among them.

It's an evil that will only destroy the relationship of the Sultan and the people.

My praise and prayers to you tonight.

~ I.M.M

P.S Slavery and conscription are lined by who benefits from the arrangement. It became the former the moment dinars started fattening the purse of that roiling mass of fat and vile."

[*A letter is attached to a draped painting delivered via waradrim.*]

*A letter is attached to a draped painting delivered via waradrim.*

"Dear Bruno Boorsmeek,

Your latest sin against Izdu was so incredibly inspiring that I thought I'd dedicate some of my new free time to return the favor and draw paint you for a change.

Sadly, yours is a particularly unique deformity that nearly made my eyes bleed after looking at it for too long in its mere creation. Thankfully, that dead rat on your face you've been trying to pass off as a mustache helped me capture your personality in what is admittedly a much more generous depiction of your visage than I should probably be giving.

Alas, some horrors are best left to the fading mists of history.

Enjoy. You fucking Muckrat.

~ Isabella the Sipper

P.S Stop harassing Estellise and get a clue. No woman could ever love something so vile.

Stick to the brothels and be sure to tip them extra for the suffering you made them endure.

Asshole."

[hide]

[/hide]

["Dear Zaniah,I am well aware of what Sol Auk's trying to normalize in Ephia's Well.That is the way of Kha'esh. It is not the way of Citadel, or the Sultanate.Any hope or loyalty I had to this empire will fade if it embraces slavery.Especially when it is founded on so flimsy a thing as being a public nuisance.I know it when I see it. And I will accept no excuses.This is not conscription. This a purchase of another's life and freedom.Fight this, or any bridges between us will be severed forever.You know she doesn't deserve this.~ IsabellaP.S If basic moral decency is not enough, know this.You will empower the Whites, the Rose and generate only greater instability down the road if you let this come to pass.Stop being complacent in that fucking serpent's games."]

"Dear Zaniah,

I am well aware of what Sol Auk's trying to normalize in Ephia's Well.

That is the way of Kha'esh. It is not the way of Citadel, or the Sultanate.

Any hope or loyalty I had to this empire will fade if it embraces slavery.

Especially when it is founded on so flimsy a thing as being a public nuisance.

I know it when I see it. And I will accept no excuses.

This is not conscription. This a purchase of another's life and freedom.

Fight this, or any bridges between us will be severed forever.

You know she doesn't deserve this.

~ Isabella

P.S If basic moral decency is not enough, know this.

You will empower the Whites, the Rose and generate only greater instability down the road if you let this come to pass.

Stop being complacent in that fucking serpent's games."

["Mirit,What have you done? I just received a letter from Sol Auk. A bondage contract?WHY?!Don't go back! I'm coming to Kha'esh soon.~ Isabella"]

"Mirit,

What have you done? I just received a letter from Sol Auk. A bondage contract?

WHY?!

Don't go back! I'm coming to Kha'esh soon.


~ Isabella"

["Dr. Mr. Dorhmall,I'm afraid I won't be able to honor my promise to the White League as originally planned. In case you didn't hear it yet, I've been exiled. Living on the road is not cheap; nor can I afford to be pouring my fortunes to campaign debts into politics for a hostile Citadel.All the same, I still have something I want to give you. I'll be at Frostport if you wish to speak.Mr. Marcellus has a map if you need directions. It's very cozy here.~ Isabella"]

"Dr. Mr. Dorhmall,

I'm afraid I won't be able to honor my promise to the White League as originally planned. In case you didn't hear it yet, I've been exiled. Living on the road is not cheap; nor can I afford to be pouring my fortunes to campaign debts into politics for a hostile Citadel.

All the same, I still have something I want to give you. I'll be at Frostport if you wish to speak.

Mr. Marcellus has a map if you need directions. It's very cozy here.

~ Isabella"

["Dear Johan,I heard your bellowing in Frostport recently. I have already written to one of your superiors what I am and am not guilty of.Make no mistake; my surrender of citizenship and exile is the correct choice. Not simply because it is just in its severity, but because there were multiple parties seeking to end my life in court.I'm willing to risk it for many things. Unfortunately, I lost my faith in the courts of Ephia's Well a long time ago when its partial judges openly began to take bribes for verdicts and dishonor both the Assembly Laws and Procedures of those chambers. And I have no intention of yielding it to opportunistic snakes seeking to use the law as a weapon.It would be akin to letting someone stab me in the throat. A needless death that achieved nothing.You also erred in your attempted murder charges. The Astronomers were one of my clients and I gained absolutely nothing from their deaths. You would have known this if you had properly investigated the matter and explored intent.Or maybe you were just operating on a bribe and I'm wasting my charcoal?Either way, you are encouraged to resign yourself to other duties. I'm at the edge of the world bringing harm to no one in the south.I am in the company of family, friends and gracious hosts who'm I shall be attending to going forward. Likely for the rest of my life.You have much greater concerns to tend to than an aging woman who's already paid The Wroth his dues.Protect life. Tend the Garden.And may we never meet again.~ Isabella"]

"Dear Johan,

I heard your bellowing in Frostport recently. I have already written to one of your superiors what I am and am not guilty of.

Make no mistake; my surrender of citizenship and exile is the correct choice. Not simply because it is just in its severity, but because there were multiple parties seeking to end my life in court.

I'm willing to risk it for many things. Unfortunately, I lost my faith in the courts of Ephia's Well a long time ago when its partial judges openly began to take bribes for verdicts and dishonor both the Assembly Laws and Procedures of those chambers. And I have no intention of yielding it to opportunistic snakes seeking to use the law as a weapon.

It would be akin to letting someone stab me in the throat. A needless death that achieved nothing.

You also erred in your attempted murder charges. The Astronomers were one of my clients and I gained absolutely nothing from their deaths. You would have known this if you had properly investigated the matter and explored intent.

Or maybe you were just operating on a bribe and I'm wasting my charcoal?

Either way, you are encouraged to resign yourself to other duties. I'm at the edge of the world bringing harm to no one in the south.

I am in the company of family, friends and gracious hosts who'm I shall be attending to going forward. Likely for the rest of my life.

You have much greater concerns to tend to than an aging woman who's already paid The Wroth his dues.

Protect life. Tend the Garden.

And may we never meet again.

~ Isabella"

["Dear Rennik,I am guilty of attempting to brook with a d'jiin for Estellise's life and soul.I am guilty of endangering others in err; but endangering, all the same.I am not guilty of attempted murder. Murder is craven. And no one deserves to have their souls devoured by a fucking devil (Not even Naelin).I am not guilty of summoning the horror on the Long Road. Do not get complacent in that investigation; the real brooker's still there somewhere in the Citadel.This is both a confession and a statement.I will not cheat The Wroth, who has seen retribution on everyone who has hounded me and my family in life. That justice in itself is a debt. And I do not deny his place in my mortal journey.Exile is appropriate. And I shall honor it; even if it impedes my capacity to tend the Garden.Take care. I will tell Ellan of his disciple's accomplishments.I know he would be proud of all of you.~ Isabella de VeendP.S"Proclaim for justice. It quenches the thirst of the faithful.""Root out evil when it is witnessed. Deals are the devils' snares."]

"Dear Rennik,

I am guilty of attempting to brook with a d'jiin for Estellise's life and soul.

I am guilty of endangering others in err; but endangering, all the same.


I am not guilty of attempted murder. Murder is craven. And no one deserves to have their souls devoured by a fucking devil (Not even Naelin).

I am not guilty of summoning the horror on the Long Road. Do not get complacent in that investigation; the real brooker's still there somewhere in the Citadel.


This is both a confession and a statement.

I will not cheat The Wroth, who has seen retribution on everyone who has hounded me and my family in life. That justice in itself is a debt. And I do not deny his place in my mortal journey.

Exile is appropriate. And I shall honor it; even if it impedes my capacity to tend the Garden.


Take care. I will tell Ellan of his disciple's accomplishments.

I know he would be proud of all of you.


~ Isabella de Veend

P.S

"Proclaim for justice. It quenches the thirst of the faithful."

"Root out evil when it is witnessed. Deals are the devils' snares."

["Dear Kythaela,I was informed prior to my departure from Ephia's Well that it wasn't just Estellise's name or Naelin's that I blurted out when that d'jiin was present. Apparently I blurted yours and Cosine's as well.Accident or not, I endangered your lives and worse. And in spite of Naelin being Naelin, I wouldn't wish the fate of a d'jiin's maw on anyone.Not yours, or even hers.Don't tell her I said that.I don't expect forgiveness. Just know I wish you no ill will going forward on the road.Take care.~ Isabella de VeendP.S I think you and Estellise would be cute together."]

"Dear Kythaela,

I was informed prior to my departure from Ephia's Well that it wasn't just Estellise's name or Naelin's that I blurted out when that d'jiin was present. Apparently I blurted yours and Cosine's as well.

Accident or not, I endangered your lives and worse. And in spite of Naelin being Naelin, I wouldn't wish the fate of a d'jiin's maw on anyone.

Not yours, or even hers.

Don't tell her I said that.

I don't expect forgiveness. Just know I wish you no ill will going forward on the road.

Take care.

~ Isabella de Veend

P.S I think you and Estellise would be cute together."

["Dear Legate Zaniah Almirah,I might have a solution for you to consider for the refugee crisis. Ideally, they would settle at the wall and become a protectorate of the Sultanate. Receiving aid directly from Ephia's Well as a push to a contested frontier.The problem is that there's very likely children with them. You probably don't need me to tell you this, but most mothers generally don't want their children living on the horizon of a bloodthirsty, warmongering horde of orcs. Walls or no, that would be the expectation.Al-Nafura is a distance away. It is an oasis that can keep the refugees' thirst quenched and also act as an intermediary to wherever they decide to go. Be it Kha'esh, Qadira (gods forbid), or elsewhere. They will be desperate when we meet, so it's important we give them room, breath and most importantly time to consider their options. That will be easier around a campfire where one's needs have been met; at least for a time.I'm currently looking to get a rough estimate on what it would cost to import foodstuffs and other essentials. It won't be cheap; even if we get the best deal. But if we can secure those goods and give these refugees a shoulder to lean on through charity (real charity), then we can avert disaster for all parties involved.This will mean begging the Well's affluent for what is essentially a refugee refund.Consider this option as you go over the rest on the table. The Mother and her daughter Kula will witness such kindness.~ Isabella de Veend"]

"Dear Legate Zaniah Almirah,

I might have a solution for you to consider for the refugee crisis. Ideally, they would settle at the wall and become a protectorate of the Sultanate. Receiving aid directly from Ephia's Well as a push to a contested frontier.

The problem is that there's very likely children with them. You probably don't need me to tell you this, but most mothers generally don't want their children living on the horizon of a bloodthirsty, warmongering horde of orcs. Walls or no, that would be the expectation.

Al-Nafura is a distance away. It is an oasis that can keep the refugees' thirst quenched and also act as an intermediary to wherever they decide to go. Be it Kha'esh, Qadira (gods forbid), or elsewhere. They will be desperate when we meet, so it's important we give them room, breath and most importantly time to consider their options. That will be easier around a campfire where one's needs have been met; at least for a time.

I'm currently looking to get a rough estimate on what it would cost to import foodstuffs and other essentials. It won't be cheap; even if we get the best deal. But if we can secure those goods and give these refugees a shoulder to lean on through charity (real charity), then we can avert disaster for all parties involved.

This will mean begging the Well's affluent for what is essentially a refugee refund.

Consider this option as you go over the rest on the table. The Mother and her daughter Kula will witness such kindness.

~ Isabella de Veend"

["Dear Marcellus,In the name of Izdu and Warad, I'm sending you a donation in spatial knowledge for yourself and all residents of Ephia's Well to benefit from.A map. You don't want to know how hard it was tracking a competent woodblocker out in Kha'esh.Let me know if you need more.~ Isabella de Veend"]

"Dear Marcellus,

In the name of Izdu and Warad, I'm sending you a donation in spatial knowledge for yourself and all residents of Ephia's Well to benefit from.

A map. You don't want to know how hard it was tracking a competent woodblocker out in Kha'esh.

Let me know if you need more.

~ Isabella de Veend"

[hide][/hide]

[Across a number of public bulletins and boards in the city states beyond Ephia's Well, a clearly-plagiarized edition of the Torchbearers' maps can be seen plastered about. A symbol has been stamped in the corner by a signature.]

Across a number of public bulletins and boards in the city states beyond Ephia's Well, a clearly-plagiarized edition of the Torchbearers' maps can be seen plastered about. A symbol has been stamped in the corner by a signature.

[*One to an Apothar.*]

*One to an Apothar.*

"Dear Estellise,

I'm writing to tell you I'm sorry for what happened back in the Well. When you were flirting with the idea of buying salts you needed,  my habit of addressing people by name slipped out in that moment of shock.

I won't hold it against you if you'd prefer me gone from your presence going forward. Gods know I deserve it.

All the same, I'm glad you're okay.

~ Isabella"

*The other a Torchbearer.*

"Dear Naelin,

I apologize for blurting your unfortunate name out when I did. The anxiety from your attempt to have everyone in the room give me over to a d'jiin must've taken over my caution against my habit of addressing others by name.

Actually, the more I think about it, it really is your fault isn't it?

I'm also very sorry you remain a loathsome, vile bitch who seems to retain a bad habit of attracting d'jiin wherever she goes.

Know you have my pity and that I'm genuinely embaressed to have ever consider someone like you for the Blushwhorl Auction I held some months ago.

I understand now why you were so upset.

After all, how could anyone ever love a greedy little snake like you?

~ Isabella de Veend

P.S Your map needs some work. Maybe I'll spruce a superior draft and sell copies of my own while I'm out in the dunes.

Who knows."

[Although a copy is sent to the intended recipient, numerous copies find their way to many citizens of the Well. Including:]

Although a copy is sent to the intended recipient, numerous copies find their way to many citizens of the Well. Including:

Apothar Azimi,
Lynneth of the Balladeers,
Kythaela of the Banda Rossa,
Alejandro of the Balladeers,
Lieutenant Rennik Colmes,
Averroes of the Legion,
Alexandria Sayburgh,
Gianluca of the Banda Rossa,
Dormhall of The White League,
Mari Blacke,
Mirit the Liar,
Apothar Cosine,
Elossi,
A Brokeleg Beggar,
Marl Marlson,
Sephidra the Torchbearer,
Khalid of Warad,
Legate Zaniah Almirah,
Wajeeb (The one and only)

"Dear Sol Auk,

As per request by Legionnaire Averroes, who makes a fine argument not to scream over the bellows, I have chosen instead to write my grievances to you to be read directly to your face by whomever is unfortunate enough to be orating the written word to you today.

Following a scribe's records of the bellows I had to drown out earlier when I was having an important discussion, I have the following retort written for you:

1. Exiling citizens of the Well without a trial is a staple of your disgraceful tenure as a Legate. It's neither intimidating nor impactful to someone who's roamed the dunes for 9 years and has a number of business ventures well beyond the walls of Ephia's Well to keep her needs sated. It impedes my agenda; but nothing more.

Do not think death threats will get you anywhere either. Threatening someone's life only works if they're afraid to lose it.

2. For a Stonefolk, you sure do have thin skin. You know deflecting accusations of character doesn't excuse your sins, I hope? It also betrays an attempt to traffic shame. Something I know is alien to you in all but its threat. This also means you traffic in lies;  liar. I will freely admit I had hoped to see the diplomatic cabinet you spectacularly botched in your tenure as sole legate refined for the good of the well. The lack of a cohesive agenda, organization and ambassadors blackmailing one another at the expense of the state's interests was staggering. I also freely admit I had intended it to be a project of the Purple League to see the Sultanate's influence and power expanded.

The problem is it was brooked by a creature I'm half-certain is a d'jiin at this point. And the sheer number of protests received in the backdrop over you pointing an office to a league outside of your own was one I had difficulty arguing with. It clicked with me it was your latest attempt to influence other Leagues to whatever games you're up to and perhaps a desperate bid to control me with some phantom of investment. In truth, I suspect these offices you insist on the other leagues are just like all of your other cons.

The Mother bades us to seek purity. And upon reflection, I was disgusted with myself having ever taken this offer without the entire League's blessing from a creature like you. Consider the resignation my means of casting out the devil (you) in homage to Mother B'aara. And the ghosts of my loved ones who remembered a woman with a higher sense of morality and right than the one who's walked of late.

Shithead.

3. Murder is very clearly acceptable insofar as it benefits your agenda. As you clearly attempted to signal when you pardoned a murderer who confessed to the crime of slaughtering a prominent statesman. Do you think I'm blind to what you've been doing to Ephia's Well the past few months?

Consistently neutering the state's coffers?

Pitting everyone and everything against eachother?

Trying to divorce the Legion from its duties of security to third party mercenaries, militants and gangs?

Pushing the boundaries again and again on legal precedents to see what you can get away with?

Generating friction and mistrust between the government and its people?

Shamelessly and openly profiteering off your office instead of  engaging in good governing?

Nothing I've ever done in my life comes close to the harm and chaos you've stoked. And this is just your list of offenses as Legate.

As I stated on the bellows, you're a fucking disgrace to an office entrusted with governing a stable, prosperous Ephia's Well. You are  a snake-tongued-charlatan-criminal-of-a-traitor to the people and the Sultanate. The only possible thing you could do to earn even a slither of redemption or plausible deniability at this point is to resign and admit your failures.

Even then, you will always have my scorn for the damage you've done to this community. This place has a great destiny and purpose that your antics have threatened.

Endured and remembered.

~ Isabella de Veend

P.S Lose some fucking weight. You're a walking hazard to the first person you trip on you insensitive asshole."

[Dear Zaniah,Following recent events and a bit of soul-searching, I've decided I'll be resigning from the office of Chancellor tomorrow.I will not be accepting any future offers for other offices in Ephia's Well that have neither the blessing of the people or Sultanate.That said, I'll send this to you as a reference for the candidates of choice when it comes to envoys outside the Well. Take them or leave them, the choice is yours.I'll even train them if you wish. But it won't be as Chancellor de Veend.Simply Isabella.]

Dear Zaniah,

Following recent events and a bit of soul-searching, I've decided I'll be resigning from the office of Chancellor tomorrow.

I will not be accepting any future offers for other offices in Ephia's Well that have neither the blessing of the people or Sultanate.

That said, I'll send this to you as a reference for the candidates of choice when it comes to envoys outside the Well. Take them or leave them, the choice is yours.

I'll even train them if you wish. But it won't be as Chancellor de Veend.

Simply Isabella.

~Frostport: Tormod Redmane

He has plenty of experience as my Oathseeker when it comes to the realm of Frostport. Both as someone who saw my efforts as ambassador firsthand, as well as someone who actively participated in fostering better relations. He's even known for the wine we'd bring to feasts in gestures of goodwill.

Tormod also has a distinctive likeness to the people of Frostport in terms of culture; to the point you'd think they're of the same cut and cloth. He understands them and their ways better than you or I ever could and has inherit, intrinsic value as a wiseman who can aid them in any number of matters most can not. Reading the runes, arcane consultation; things Frostport simply doesn't have readily available to them.

He is  known, welcomed and understands the nuances of the mission in Frostport that make him uniquely suited.

~Qadira: Khalid al-Hayim

Khalid al-Hayim is one of the most level-headed, trustworthy and humble men in all of Ephia's Well. I can not understate how much respect and goodwill I have towards this man, or his devotion to the wellness of others. He sees himself as a servant to the realm, and conducts as such.

He is uniquely suited to Qadira for two reasons. Firstly, the temple to Warad which stands even in occupation. Khalid's relationship with the priestess and the flock there adds a layer of liturgical devotion to the mission and allies in Qadira to help him monitor and influence as necessary.

Second, he is Leagueless. Khalid is an independent Voiced with no strong affiliations to any league or Accord member. This will make it easier for Qadirans to approach him if he's perceived as being less affiliated with the Sultanate or any of the organizations I mentioned. They may try to bribe, corrupt or coerce him, as they will any other, but Khalid is a man of Warad before he is a mortal man fearing for his life or attending his vices.

I've known him for a long time and can vouch for his character.

Take this with a grain of salt, knowing Lieutenant Colmes has some concerns of Gelleman influence. I will dispute those and simply tell you Khalid is a deeply spiritual ulemma of Warad who, like me, is rubbed wrong when religous persecution and desecration unfolds.

~Banafsi: Alejandro

Alejandro may be of the Rose, but I know he well and genuinely cares about the wellbeing of Ephia's Well and its people. Few, in any, would contest his character and sincerity.

He has a grasp of Banafsi's politics, history and agenda. He is not one easily coerced or swayed. He is likeable, considerate and above all, beautiful.

In heart, songcraft and poetry does that beauty shine. Bringing a special trait to the envoy of Banafsi that is culture.

I can already foresee some of his works knitting our societies closer together; as the ambassador who bridged Mother B'aara's (Or Myraa, as the Banafsi call her) children together across the Sea of Pearls.

He has untapped potential and would likely keep an impressive entourage in missions to Banafsi.

And unlike Bruno, I don't see him threatening to sabotage other Ambassadors' missions being conducted in the interest of the state.

(Seriously, do I need to explain why this is an immediate disqualification?)

~Kha'esh: Wajeeb al-Sattar

I've known Wajeeb for a long time and can vouch for his character and business acumen. He's done the Mother's work as the Well's most successful water merchant and has more than a few ideas on how to help Ephia's Well begin empiring in earnest through research and invention.

He has a strong grasp on Kha'esh's history and its culture as well as a vested interest in fostering better relations between the Well and Kha'esh. Although it's strictly commercial.

Mr. Wajeeb is trustworthy. To the point his brutal honesty in his admission that he would use his station to benefit the Alchemist Guild and his colleagues should be recognized.

Although boundaries will have to be identified and established in how far his privilege to those perks actually are, his consistent business in Kha'esh and financial ties make him approachable and known to many in the settlement already.

Just make sure he knows there's a fine line between prestige of office and treason against the state.

Assuming I don't get the privilege of doing so myself.

~Spring's Gift: None

No one  has approached for this position or shown any interest. Candidates of interest and trustworthiness are few.

If need be, I'll recommend my Oathseeker Soliana for the role. She is elven, but also very loyal.

She will serve dutifully if only out of that alone.

This recommendation list is the best I can do for you on short notice. Most have not been vetted by Lieutenant Colmes.

I will tell you in person why I'm resigning later.

But organizing the ambassadors? Keeping a cohesive agenda in full effect and force?

For now, these must default to another. Or the Legates.



Know to, you will still have my advice, my counsel and aid upon request when it comes to matters of state, Zaniah.

~ Isabella de Veend.

[*A journal bound by a pink ribbon.*]

*A journal bound by a pink ribbon.*

For a time, I felt a sense of renewal and purpose. Looking back and facing the shades of the past. Remembering all my family and I lived and suffered. The good the bad.  Giving it some meaning. Leaving it to parchment and memory.

The pain never went away. But it became easier to pretend, at least.

To pretend  I was alright. That I had the strength to keep going.

But the more I keep my promise to live; to protect life, to tend the garden; the more I find myself asking a question that's begun to haunt.

Am I leaving her a better world?

I know this world is kinder than the one I knew. But Mirit's argument against my tolerance for the lesser evils left me disturbed.

I felt like I was arguing with her again. Not Mirit, but Meryl.

My sweet baby Meryl.

I walked  away from the conversation with Mirit yielding to her true self. But I found myself asking again and again when it was all over.



"What would my daughter say to me, if she just heard what I said?"



The schism between refugees and Ashfolk is growing. The contempt for corruption grows with its naked displays. They hate it, despite the alternatives. Especially my people.  And all the new refugees who keep something higher than dinars to their hearts.

They loath it all.

We've become our own greatest enemy. The luster of what the empire offers is stained. We've become so hopelessly corrupt, that even justice; the very thing The Wroth bades us to;  seems to have a price tag.

Charity has been bastardized. Kula would rage if she saw how her tenant had been twisted to benefit those already of station and wealth, instead  of the poor and meek.

Our Mother would weep. Seeing her children embrace the sins of gold.



It's starting all over again. Even here. The specter of rebellion  and ruin. Even with Diakos gone. That fire and thirst for a just world.

Even if it means destroying it.

I know I can't stop what's coming. Perhaps I never could. I can't change the tides of fate; no matter how much I wish otherwise.



It's a story I know all too well.



I don't know what to do anymore.



The Lady in me knows what will happen to Ephia's Well if discord and civil war unfolds. Every side will lose. The Sultanate, weakened and vulnerable to attack from our enemies, may very well ease to exist.

The rebels, even if they win, will be so hopelessly decimated that they will be naught but food for the looming vultures who thirst for the Well's Bounty.

How do I trust my enemies who'd build atop our graves  to protect life itself?



The Ticker in me knows this society's corrupt. No matter how much we try to change it from the inside, it's already succumbed to the same evil that destroyed the home my daughter loved.

Greed. Unchecked, without constraints, inflicting suffrage upon all but its select few champions.

I know in my heart she would've despised this place, if she'd seen what I had. Experienced what I've been put through. A different kind of tyranny; however softer or necessary it seemed to endure it.

Am I laying my hands to the foundations of another Old City? Majestic today, but a nightmare ages from now?



I know too much. Not just of the higher politics around the the world, Baz'eel and the realms beyond the citadel.

I know the secret of the Rose.

I've seen the sins of the Legion.

I know what horrors the Astronomers play with.



Protect life; Ephia's Well. So that life may go on; so that she has a world to awaken to again.

Tend the Garden; It is the world. All we leave behind, great and small. It is what will greet her when her eyes open.



There's no clear answer anymore.



Meryl.


What flowers do I leave for you, in the wake of my meager life?


What world do I toil to see bloom for you, my beautiful child?