Letter sent to the Masters of Tlonsiyya [DM]

[thegn]

[An immaculate letter fashioned with the finest parchment, scented with decadent perfumes, and written with magnificent calligraphy; bundled up with a sealed contract.]
[All in all, it looked quite official.]

Subat 8th, IY 7787

Dear Masters of Tlonsiyya,

My deepest apologies to both your diplomat Raonn Otannuk and to your great leader, Pakas Oruko for the grievous insult dealt at the hands of a knavish boor.

I wish to assure you that the reception you received today, spoiled by an imbecile of a Dwarf of High Kulkund was not at all representative of Ephia's Well as a whole-- in fact, we spurn that entire incident as we mull about our cups, thinking it such a wasted opportunity. Rest assured that concerned citizens such as myself will pursue to no ends a just retribution for this offense.

I would be delighted to welcome you again, perhaps at a more civilized gate such as the Gate of Coin, and to entreat with your most esteemed diplomat on matters of trade and diplomacy. I have some of the oldest vintages of wines and finest bunches of mizzar-- it will be just one gift of many in store. I'd like to offer to you the reception you should have gotten, with a full diplomatic escort.

What say you? Will you give Ephia's Well another chance?

- Grand Strategist, Poet-Extraordinaire, Swashbuckling Bravo, Known Philanthropist, Baz'eeli Debonair, Connoisseur of the Consortium,
   The Most Esteemed Hamdan al-Hamdan

[Halfbrood]

The Most Esteemed Hamdan al-Hamdan,

As I write this letter, I sit here with the Envoy Raonn Otannuk who has returned to me after a long and arduous journey through dangerous lands. As he recounts the journey, and its destination, I am aghast.

For you see, we esteemed and learned scholars of Tlonsiyya have often been told of the warm and welcoming nature of Ephia's Well. However, it seems as though, with the recent recounting of my beloved Envoy, all those who told us thus are liars.

I could perhaps have forgiven a cold reception, and considered it simply ignorance, for I understand our settlement to be a unique one.

Yet actively drawing weapons on an Envoy, threatening instead to cut off his head, and feed it to lions? Numerous other threats - no, I will use the word your own reception used - *promises* of murder of my Envoy.

This. This I cannot forgive.

We will not be returning. Until reparations are paid for these threats and promises of harm to my good people, no trader, delegation or citizen of Tlonsiyya will pass the Gates of Ephia's Well.

Threats and promises, I remind you, that would ordinarily be considered tantamount to a declaration of war.

However, as I understand, a delegation of your own is being prepared. We will welcome them, and their gifts and pleas of forgiveness.

You will find our own people to be far more pleasant company, and the learned scholars of our Madrasa eager to speak.

A stamped signature is below...
Vice Chancellor Pakas Oruko