As previously noted, below is a transcription of the letter Grigori Orza sent to the Lords of the Ring 99 which lead to then Castle Moonspear to be offered to House Orza.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I was not born a killer nor did I ever purposefully intend to become one. I merely had that label applied to me due to circumstances perhaps not beyond my control, but certainly beyond my *choice*. Threats, after all, are useless if there is not a hint of promise to them should the ensuing demands not be followed.
I propose, you choose. This is the way my world worked.
At first it was merely your bread. I needed to spend my time finding shelter and not scrounging for food if I ever wanted to survive. You fed me and you did so well. In return I made sure you weren't bothered.
In time, as I grew older, I began to realize the ways not just of the streets, but of the people that walked them, too. I made friends, many friends, and soon I had to feed not just myself but those beside me as well.
When I began to ask for more, your groat, your jewels, you were more than happy to hand them over. You had plenty, I had none. We came to an understanding. I thrived.
Older still, I began to ask for your daughters, your wives, and even them you more than gladly gave up. Anything, anything you said, anything I'd want, if only I kept your peace and kept you safe. If only I kept the mob out and away.
But when I asked for your respect, when I asked for a seat at your table, you laughed in my face, spat at my feet. And I realized that you thought of me as part of the rabble, too.
And now I finally understand. I have come of age, a killer all grown up. And you're going to give me what I want.
I propose, you choose. This is the way your world is going to work from now on.
And I propose you give me that fucking castle.
- G. Orza
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It should be noted that there are some parallels in play here. Primarily, House Orza has proposed peace and House Moonspear is in position to choose to move forward with that proposal. To choose otherwise is to accept the status quo as is: the internecine conflict that will doom us all before the black sea of Nothing laps at the wall that separates Ring 99 from Ring 100.
Retainer Brie Cesmé