SET YOUR HOPE ON FIRE ;;

[Filter: Lord Lawrence and Lady Celeste]

It has come to my attention that you have some business to discuss with me.

You must know that I have been in search of answers to the question of what, exactly, befell House Atsir during your ... stay. Those tragedies cannot be taken back, and though I will admit that I have never and do not presently fully understand your role in regards to them, some explanation may at least begin to mend the regrettable distance that has persisted between your family and mine in their wake.

Such interesting rumours from the Arcade, today. Most of them concerning the Prince, unsurprisingly. Undoubtedly her Majesty is aware of what is being said, and has the situation well in hand ...

But it is concerning, nonetheless. I've never seen such ... enduring unrest, in Razen. I had thought, with the Council nearly filled, these incidents and setbacks would become less prevalent. How terribly frustrating it must be.

[Filter: Father Elliot, in Atsirian]

We can trust each other, can't we, Father?

Of course we can.

I must confess, the question of where the truth ends and the lies -- or misunderstandings? -- begin is a difficult one. Did you notice? Reeve studying your face so carefully while Karia screamed about Melyndra the Messenger, again and again? Hm.

Your surprise seemed genuine to me, though I know very well how well-practiced your acting is.

Was he checking for veracity, or confirming something else? Did he start the original rumours, and if so, what is his aim with this?

Let me be clear; I don't believe for a moment that Melyndra is a Messenger of Darkness. That's an asinine assumption. For one, she would have slaughtered Karia out of hand, not trussed her up for delivery to the Prince as the rumours state so clearly. Secondly, even if she were able to resist her ... compulsion, she hardly would have declared it to be so then sent a Pillar off to a public execution with the knowledge. I may not like her, but I respect her ability to play these games.

But let us say that Melyndra had another compelling, personal reason to be sure Karia was apprehended, and the Prince was not working quickly enough for her liking. Melyndra, being Melyndra, was not content to catch her covertly; of course not. She had to reveal herself as the true captor, the city's hero. Hence the rumours. She has a reputation to cultivate, after all. Reeve doesn't take kindly to this, for obvious reasons.

What does he do next?

And did she even consider he might have it done?

I respect her ability, as I said ... but it is so very satisfying to see her make mistakes like these.

[Filter: Public, in Atsirian]

It occurs to me that I have not yet congratulated you, Faedya, on your recent appointment. I am certain you will serve the Council well. Connor was just speaking to me today about how poised and focused you are, looking for all the world like you've sat that position all your life. You may wish to be careful; Connor tends to get ... affectionate, when he's so thoroughly impressed. Now, I know you'll say that you've only eyes for Shadda Saedri, but -- I suppose I remember your history with my brother too well, hm? You just tell me, if he makes you uncomfortable. I don't mind reprimanding him, for you.

I must say that it pleases me to see the Queen has seen fit to appoint yet another who might call my city home to her Council. And though the faith must of course be your first priority, I've no doubt that the three of you will work so well together, to put this wealth of representation to good use.

-- No, the four of you, actually! Poor Raezi Eshene, I'd nearly forgotten her. Tell me, is there any indication of when she might return to her duties, yet? We are all so worried.

[Filter: The Queen and Council of Atsiria, in Atsirian]

I see now that my request for an audience will go unanswered today, and so I will air my grievance here in the hopes that justice still reigns in Atsiria.

Some three days past Prince Reeve apprehended two citizens of Cleraine, a woman named Vestene and her beau Chaemis, well known artists here on holiday and due to return home in the spring. Vestene's family is well regarded in my city; I cannot believe that Reeve has found reason to keep her imprisoned.

Considering how quickly Reiz of Karnach was cleared and released when he fell ... victim to this same misunderstanding, I think it reasonable to demand Chaemis and Vestene's immediate release into my custody, or else, for some definitive proof as to why this cannot be.

I trust they have been gently treated, in the meantime. I have held my peace until now, though I find it concerning that Razen residents are being held this way; I suggest you give me no reason to change my mind.

[Filter: Altair, in Atsirian]

Hm. Have you heard anything about this, I wonder? I've a note in my parlor that we've received some sort of odd visitor, from the north.

[Filter: Altair, in Atsirian]

You do realize there are only two days until this grand event of yours, I hope.

[Filter: Joseph]

An interesting bit of drama, isn't it? It's always been Karnach's specialty, you know, offering themselves up for the amusement of everyone else. It's so good to see that Ethne Eshene intends to keep the tradition running strong.

I've been thinking about what Melyndra and her ilk are planning, lately. Clear that they intend to make this event of theirs a centerpiece of this entire segment of Razen history, no? I keep thinking to myself, wouldn't it be amusing, if we received an invite from Raezi on the one hand, and an express order to make ourselves scarce from Karlesta, on the other?

Whatever would we do.

Altair has been pestering me to fund that nomad, Chazz. I think I may just make a gracious donation, simply to see what sort of reaction it earns from them. Is that terrible of me? It would please my consort. Surely that counts for something.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

How silly of me to have entertained even the smallest hope that these not so subtle inquiries might have ended, by now.

Not everything I do needs to be everyone's business. They'll learn that, eventually.

Though no doubt Mother would say

[Filter: Altair, in Atsirian]

So, I can't help but wonder. Are you really so taken with Raezi Saedri that you are going to head into yet another month sulking over her indifference toward you?

[Filter: Altair, in Atsirian]

I've heard a rumour that you've been managing to keep your supper from decorating the walls for nearly a full day, now?

I hope it's true. I've been so curious to hear all about whether Darius's ocean adventure was worth missing ... oh, four different depressingly landlocked affairs, since. So? How is that working out for you, Altair?