Messages

[*A reply is also sent to Naelin.*]

*A reply is also sent to Naelin.*

"Dear Naelin,

Your concern is touching. Even if it's difficult to read through your atrocious handwriting.

Rest assured, your monstrous consort only inspires loathing and contempt for the woman it trails after. It makes me cherish Ellan all the more.

I'm sorry the best you can do in life are d'jiin parading around as merchants (poorly at that). I'm sure it's providing for all your  brooker needs, at least.

Perhaps one day someone will get drunk enough and mistake the shit that's always coming out of your mouth as something sufferable.

Maybe you'll know what actual happiness (faked or not) is like for a night; who knows?

~ Isabella de Veend"

[*A reply is sent to Estellise.*]

*A reply is sent to Estellise.*

"Dear Estellise,

Did I say Kythaela's name to?

If I did, then the following stands true.

1. I owe Kythaela an apology.

2. It is best if I never attend in matters of d'jiinry in the future.

I'll endeavor to find her and pass along my apologies. Though I suspect she won't care to hear them.

Good luck in whatever it was you were all trying to accomplish.

~ 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 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."

[Was going to set out into the Rustdunes today with the Oathseekers. Searching for baublium and technology.Instead, I tripped and hurt my hip. Bad.Today's the first day in a long time that I really felt old. Even useless, now that my time in politics is effectively over in Ephia's Well.I have no intention of hiding behind walls and gates like I did when I was young. Letting other people fight my battles.I came to tend to Ephia's Well. However that looks. Not the other way around.But I need to face the reality people who compliment me on my 'good shots' don't seem to realize.I am weak. Always have been. And it's only going downhill from here.I took the day to really sit on it. Coming to terms with everything. Ended up thinking about a road I didn't take in my life. Way back when.Back when Ellan and I were still young. Still in blooming.Cosine told me it's not too late. But that'll it be extremely dangerous.Going to need some things. And see a few favors done.I know it might kill me.But I won't sit idly by while youths keep risking their lives. Or while my friends set to tasks that imperil them every day.The woman who hid behind gates and walls died a long time ago.No matter how much they beg otherwise, she's not coming back.Ephia's Well can't wait years.It has to be now.]

Was going to set out into the Rustdunes today with the Oathseekers. Searching for baublium and technology.

Instead, I tripped and hurt my hip. Bad.

Today's the first day in a long time that I really felt old. Even useless, now that my time in politics is effectively over in Ephia's Well.

I have no intention of hiding behind walls and gates like I did when I was young. Letting other people fight my battles.



I came to tend to Ephia's Well. However that looks.  Not the other way around.

But I need to face the reality people who compliment me on my 'good shots' don't seem to realize.

I am weak. Always have been. And it's only going downhill from here.

I took the day to really sit on it. Coming to terms with everything. Ended up thinking about a road I didn't take in my life. Way back when.

Back when Ellan and I were still young. Still in blooming.



Cosine told me it's not too late. But that'll it be extremely dangerous.

Going to need some things. And see a few favors done.

I know it might kill me.



But I won't sit idly by while youths keep risking their lives. Or while my friends set to tasks that imperil them every day.

The woman who hid behind gates and walls died a long time ago.

No matter how much they beg otherwise, she's not coming back.



Ephia's Well can't wait years.

It has to be now.

[*A wrapped canvas with a note attached arrives.*]

*A wrapped canvas with a note attached arrives.*

"Dear Sol Auk,

I think this portrait really captures your personality, tenure and company.

It was inspired after a scribe approached me to relay how upset you were.

Consider it my way of saying I'm sorry that you're so easily offended or that you feel as though you've been treated unfairly in recent days.

You poor, unfortunate soul.

Rest assured, I will be striving to do better.

~ Isabella de Veend"

["Dear Sol Auk,I saw you sent me some kindling with your name on it and had it promptly tossed into the fireplace where it belongs. It did very little to warm the room. That's a very egregious insult where I'm from.Send some charcoal next time you cheapskate.~ Isabella de Veend"]

"Dear Sol Auk,

I saw you sent me some kindling with your name on it and had it promptly tossed into the fireplace where it belongs.

It did very little to warm the room. That's a very egregious insult where I'm from.

Send some charcoal next time you cheapskate.

~ Isabella de Veend"

[It's done. No more dancing around it like a snake on the issue.I may tell them it had to be done. That evil needed to be challenged.And it did.But honestly? This one was for you, baby girl.It was always all for you.I'll be set back again. Any aid I bring to Ephia's Well going forward will likely have to be from outside.I might have to start looking at growing my business, once I'm done seeing the White League settled on a promise.Coin, resources and perhaps a single intervention is the best I'll probably be able to do in the future. I doubt I'll have much a hand to offer in politics anymore.That feels way more relieving than it probably should.Might've gone further if not for Zaniah. Wasn't going to put Rennik in that awkward position in the primaries; sure as hell not going to do that to her.Lady in me knows she's not wrong. Even if the Tick wants to put her foot down.I'm just going to have to trust them to do the right thing when the times comes.Wroth guide them; for they tangle with a serpent.Ephia's Well is still haunted. And the fight for its soul is ongoing.We have a series of crises that are barreling down on us.We are perilously vulnerable. Not just to the threats to our lives, but the evil that bades us to make monsters of ourselves.I don't know where my place will be in all of it. I only know dark times lay ahead of us.It's going to get worse.It's going to get so much worse.]

It's done. No more dancing around it like a snake on the issue.

I may tell them it had to be done. That evil needed to be challenged.

And it did.

But honestly? This one was for you, baby girl.

It was always all for you.



I'll be set back again. Any aid I bring to Ephia's Well going forward will likely have to be from outside.

I might have to start looking at growing my business, once I'm done seeing the White League settled on a promise.

Coin, resources and perhaps a single intervention is the best I'll probably be able to do in the future. I doubt I'll have much a hand to offer in politics anymore.

That feels way more relieving than it probably should.



Might've gone further if not for Zaniah. Wasn't going to put Rennik in that awkward position in the primaries; sure as hell not going to do that to her.

Lady in me knows she's not wrong. Even if the Tick wants to put her foot down.

I'm just going to have to trust them to do the right thing when the times comes.

Wroth guide them; for they tangle with a serpent.



Ephia's Well is still haunted. And the fight for its soul is ongoing.

We have a series of crises that are barreling down on us.

We are perilously vulnerable. Not just to the threats to our lives, but the evil that bades us to make monsters of ourselves.

I don't know where my place will be in all of it. I only know dark times lay ahead of us.



It's going to get worse.

It's going to get so much worse.

[*A bellows followed soon after.*]

*A bellows followed soon after.*

Isabella de Veend:

... aherm, dear, this is uh... a little embaressing...

I just realized I addressed the wrong stack of letters to the wrong recipients on my desk. Uh... everyone, if you get a letter that was meant for Sol Auk... well, I trust you'll be dignant and just... throw it away... eheh...

Oh, and uh... Legate Zaniah, I'll be lounging outside your office for a time... if you have a moment. As to everyone else... warm night.

[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."

[The picture is complete. No amount of wishful thinking or pretty words can distract or deceive from the pattern.I'm now convinced Sol Auk is trying to destroy Ephia's well from within. And he's succeeding.We are divided, poor and vulnerable.Radicals, gangs and viles are on the rise. Brookers, greedmaws and charlatans make up the body of our politicians.Murder's become a privilege.Those who could have stopped it chose not to.Am I one of them?I had a dream last night. It was her.She was looking at a soft, blue light. Her arms crossed in a pout. Just like she used to.She didn't look back at me. No matter how much I tried to speak, nothing came out. She couldn't hear me.No matter how much I struggled to go to her, something kept me barred. Like a tide bading me away.She turned. Enough for me to see her frown. Even if I couldn't see her eyes.She frowned. Just like she used to. Every time I tried to rationalize the world to her.I looked in my hand mirror after I awoke in tears.I didn't recognize that woman either.That person should've known better.You know her heart.I need to make things right.]

The picture is complete. No amount of wishful thinking or pretty words can distract or deceive from the pattern.

I'm now convinced Sol Auk is trying to destroy Ephia's well from within. And he's succeeding.

We are divided, poor and vulnerable.

Radicals, gangs and viles are on the rise. Brookers, greedmaws and charlatans make up the body of our politicians.

Murder's become a privilege.

Those who could have stopped it chose not to.

Am I one of them?



I had a dream last night. It was her.

She was looking at a soft, blue light. Her arms crossed in a pout. Just like she used to.

She didn't look back at me. No matter how much I tried to speak, nothing came out. She couldn't hear me.

No matter how much I struggled to go to her, something kept me barred. Like a tide bading me away.

She turned. Enough for me to see her frown. Even if I couldn't see her eyes.

She frowned. Just like she used to. Every time I tried to rationalize the world to her.



I looked in my hand mirror after I awoke in tears.

I didn't recognize that woman either.

That person should've known better.



You know her heart.



I need to make things right.

[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.

Noooo! My traitorous bodyguard-frenemy!  :'(

Loved him. A+.

Can't wait to see your next!