Dear Councilor,

Good luck in the coming election. I apologize for two things- first, my lack of attendance, and second, my lack of expediting the trip I planned. Stay in good health and we'll make it as soon as we can with a good number of folks, I think.

Secondly, I think you've got some keen ideas in your speech, although your ideal situation has a few major flaws. Let me express my current opinion on both the good and the bad- I do not think you will disagree, if you consider the consequences of error in all the specific cases.

Firstly, you claim that most men of Lower have nothing but their own futures in mind. I concede, this is typically true (although I hope I am an exception). I must say, this seems an ironic situation considering the alternative- Macasta, Donrick, and the other "nobles" who are hardly any different. Granted, they are businessmen- businessmen must keep their mind settled on maximizing profits. It is the nature of the beast. But it is still a beast that ought be leashed.

Secondly, you may not believe, or you may disagree with me, but I do support the Watch. They are an important function of society, and in fact, their efficiency is something I hope to mimc in my own work down in Lower. Unfortunately, the Watch should not be allowed to enter the Canal Ward as a standing force. The violent men of Lower will not stand for it and there will be blood by the gallons. Now, you are entirely correct about the need for governance. The Canal absolutely must be controlled, the port must have an authority to tax and utilize our new and exciting economic assets to better the city. But this government must be autonomous from Upper Sanctuary. There are practical reasons for this, too. Consider the proximity. Lower is not in a stable state, it is not ready to deal with the direct influences of Upper Sanctuary in any way except by using violence. Consider- a deep hound is a cruel and violent creature, but it is much more so when cornered.

Lastly, as for paying dues to those who took over the Canal Ward- on this point, you are absolutely mistaken. Cheval, I was there. My blood was spilled, and together with my men we fought the good fight. It was Aurin Guerini's tactics, my leadership, Lord Ilmater's enduring blessings, James Lysik's reinforcements, and the solid strength of Sancturian forces from both the Uppers and the Lowers together that won the day.

Lysik was repayed with stones, Guerini was repayed with fists, and I have been repayed with nothing. The only payment I've even heard of was from the meager booty that the goblins held in shoddy boxes. Perhaps you were ignorant of the truth. I've nothing against you, and assume this to be so. Regardless, you ought to revise your comments with truth.

If not, then repay me what I have earned. Peace.

Cheval, it is election season. A trying time. Truth, reality, all these things have been sadly forfeited. I urge you to strive to retain as much of these virtuous things as you can so that I can continue to endorse your efforts.

Painbearer of Lord Ilmater Protector of Sanctuary

Lucius, my old friend

I received this letter just as I was sending my own to you. I fear Guerini may have mislead you somewhat. Aurin was payed with Council funds, a private bounty for the destruction of the Slugcrawl tribe. This was his chief motivation from the beginning, and I fear he must have deceived you and your fellows. We expected that he would share the gold with those who fought, but cleary he did not. In total he received five thousand gold for the deed, when he delivered the goblin chief's head to us.

I would still like to meet with you and discuss things Councillor Jacelyn Cheval

Then let us meet. I am glad to hear about your returning health, as well! I'll find you later today, I do hope.

As for Guerini- I am appalled to hear that. For the sake of stability, the Council cannot let known what you have just told me. Consider this from the eyes of the unknowing public, Cheval, that a man should be payed a large sum by the government and then killed by it soon after, his things being forfeited to said government! Especially consider the nature of his punishment, and how after being nearly dismissed he was put to death by Azzam! Lower has problems, but Upper is far worse because it has its "flexible laws" to alter on a whim. I will not claim foul play, but recognize the very legitimate possiblity.

Lucius

((After five thirty EST (GMT -5) I'll be around for an hour or two, if you'll be on at that time. And there's a small chance I can get on in about thirty minutes for a brief time.))

[The letter is hastily written, with deep pen marks in the paper. A smear of blood covers half the letter, in the shape of a hand. Although there hasn't been much, if any care taken with the letter, it is still stamped with an ornate seal with the image of a fox]

Lucius,

I knew nothing of the invasion. I will give you whatever you want, or anyone wants. Just get the DAMN THING out of me! Guard yourself too, she's everywhere, and everyone! I want it out, ten thousand gold, a lifetime of poverty suffering in Illmater's name, anything! Drink nothing untreated for poison. Never be alone with ANYONE. Drystan is our word of trust. I say it to you, say "the Swift" back. We will know we are we then.

[received]