Illario,

I have learned of your plans to execute me for murder, and as you might guess I do not approve. All the support and aid I offered you, should be considered withdrawn.

Good luck dealing with the wrath of a dragon.

Have a beautiful eve,

Elizabeth

*a sketch of a raven in flight is at the bottom*

Lady Ravenlock,

This is insanity. I do not wish to murder you. You have been kind and helpful. If I had sought you dead, I would have obviously had it done when you were well within my grasp and none knew where you were.

I urge you to reconsider this, and question whatever source has decided to turn you against me once again. I do not want to kill you. I gain nothing from it and I lose much.

Naturally, if you feel as if I do wish you harm, there is little point in my attempting to approach you. I hope you realize that you have been deceived, and await your return.

Illario

Illario,

Though I find you a very interesting, polite and intelligent man this is not enough reason to trust you. Nor can I trust the Spellguard Order, from which these plans I hear of are claimed to come from. I will consider, and remain at a secret location for now.

I will let you know if I return, naturally, and will at that time expect a swift death. I'd much prefer a slit throat than a bombardment of rocks.

Elizabeth

*The sketch is now that of a raven hiding it's head under it's wing, and you can almost feel the humor of the artist through the work*

Lady Ravenlock,

You will receive neither, as your service to the city will not be rewarded with violence. I could not, as a man with the very traits you prescribe to me, allow such an event to occur.

I now regret that I did not tell you the bedtime story, or you would have learned the genuine side of things. Yes, I could have easily taken you to Azzam, had you tried, had you killed or worse. I could have avoided informing Azzam altogether and achieved the same end. But I did not, my lady, because I see something in you. Something that I desired for myself, but also a gift to be shared between us. It is most tragic that fate should so sunder opportunity.

I regret that we have been so manipulated by forces unseen to me, but it is apparent that at this point in time there is little way to alter the deception unless you cast your trust in me. Again, I am at the mercy of shadows and trickery. I beg your forgiveness for this weakness, as it has cost us both dearly.

Fair dark, my lady.

Illario

*a much less skilled hand has drawn the same dark raven sitting on the fingers of a dark and gauntleted hand, its wings outstretched*

Illario,

We will meet, sooner than you think.

Elizabeth

*this time, the raven appears to be looking directly at the reader with a knowing gaze*