Mirielle Rosseau, Rose-Marked

[Loops]

[A Rose-Marked letter is delivered directly to the la Banda Rossa fortress.]

Dear Condottiera Mirielle Rosseau,

Rare is it that I pen a letter, and rarer still is that I write one of such length. Still, I have had this missive presented to you so that a potential near-miss is recorded with you as befits your role in the security of our Krak des Roses. As you will note, this investigation has been ongoing by myself.

There may have been an attempt to assassinate a member of our Rose using judicial and legislative pressure.

I will outline the events that have led me to this conclusion.

On the 21st Subat 7788, I recorded in our filings a meeting I answered on behalf of the College of the Lost Hearth to one Legate Achaeus. In this meeting, I was requested to confirm the Balladeers of Grandmaster Elizabetha d'Auvergne's readiness to arrest a subject or subjects within the Krak des Roses. I rebuked this with the clear instruction that we would comply only when fair evidence or a summary of guilt was presented for our oversight. Legate Achaeus initially stated that this would be forthcoming. However, it was never provided. This meeting was recorded in the annals of the College of the Lost Hearth.

During one altercation between Fiordelise Foscari and la Capitana's Condotierri, Sister Zoe and Legate Dante Moretti noted separately and independently that Apothar Estellise Azimi voiced her commitment to providing false testimony in her role in the magical safeguarding of our realm on behalf of Legate Achaeus, under the context of arrests to be made at his instruction.

It has been noted that Legate Achaeus has subsequently been at odds with Lieutenant Rennik Colmes of the 4th Legion of House Maribid, up to and including refusing political favour in his early terms in office (legislation regarding disfranchising arms-bearing rights for la Banda Rossa). Sister Zoe and Legate Dante Moretti separately and independently advised me that this was due to Lieutenant Colmes's refusal to arrest and capital charge a figure or figures on Legate Achaeus' behalf.

It is noted that whilst Lieutenant Rennik Colmes seems to have stymied this motion, Sergeant Rhuk Nor is said to have favoured it. Something to regard in future developments.

Be aware that Lieutenant Rennik Colmes did previously demand retribution and arrest of members of la Banda Rossa and the greater Rose directly after his deseating from the position of Warmaster, as witnessed by Legate Dante Moretti, Legate Argent Argyris, which, at the time you may recall widely discussed in our meetings. However, it is remarked that Lieutenant Colmes subsequently received instructions from the Consulate to belay such actions and to minimise infighting until the war is over.

It is my opinion that Legate Achaeus would have been unaware of these instructions before his tenure and, of note, especially during his campaign strategy and promise-making therein.

I understand that you have witnessed Legate Achaeus making a substantive agreement with the Astronomers of Q'tolip to see Apothar Mae Stern rise as Warmaster. It is my opinion that they will only desire this position once the battles of Bet-Nappahi are won and the arcane spoils are picked over. A pin in this point.

You will recall my latest argumentations with Lyrist Aubrey Domergue, as of Subat, and my subsequent firing at her hand after raising criticisms for her alliance with Legate Achaeus. Lyrist John-Henry Beauregard should be kindly regarded for his intervention and witness; note well that during this dispute, Lyrist Aubrey was unwilling to voice what favours or promises she gained from Legate Achaeus for her vote.

You do not need me to remind you of Aubrey's anger toward you and her attempts to blame you for her refusal to make a decisive step towards Legate in that election prior, regarding your alleged inability to pressure the legislative branch to overlook or do away with restrictions on accorded governance law.

As a final point, you will recall our standing arrangements with Legate Dante and note Legate Achaeus' refusal to cooperate with him in any legislative measure. Legate Achaeus insists that he will hold the seat without action until the next election comes to pass. This has come to the point of refusing to pass an Allotment budget that includes the Krak des Roses. Whilst Legate Achaeus insists it is due to the illegitimacy of Legate Dante's tenure, there is a very real possibility that it is strategised under the assumption that Legate Dante is closely aligned with la Banda Rossa and the greater Rose.

Given these points investigated, it is my opinion that there could have been an attempt at judicial assassination for a subject or subjects in the Krak des Roses.

You could have been the target.

It is further possible that this action was to be made possible through the complicity of a member of our Rose.

It is possible that the scheme is ongoing and merely delayed until after Legate Dante has lost his seat or the broad scope of the war is over and the spoils of Bet-Nappahi are to be seized.

Of note: I have no direct evidence linking Lyrist Aubrey Domergue to action. However, I thought it only prudent that you be aware of all potential threats. A missing favour for a Lyrist and an expectation of action from the Balladeers, however, is a dangerous combination. There is a loose thread here, and I haven't finished pulling at it yet. This information will be presented to her directly when she is availed for us to ascertain surety.

To whit all of this penned, when I was given my pledge before Grandmaster Elizabetha d'Auvergne, it was with the simple promise that I would foster bonds of fidelity between our rose petals. I was to ensure that la Banda Rossa rises strong and whole without insipid and perfidious betrayal from within our own Krak des Roses, as you are her favoured red band who opened the gates and brought us hope for a new age, that you have ever held this bastion and guarded the doors as we slept since. It is only together, forthright and bold, that we shall bloom.

Be aware that the broad contents of this letter have been discussed with Balladeer Aurelio d'Lyon, but the draft has not been witnessed. Reach out to me when you would like to discuss this further. I am availed to you if I may be of aid or if you just want to call me a fool.

With regards,
Aeronwy Caddick,
Balladeer of the Lost Hearth

[Moonlighter]

The Warmaster receives this letter, and reads it on a cold morning, kept warm by the hearth. A shorter note finds her in reply.

Aeronwy,

Your concerns are noted, sweet flower, and I am sure we will discuss them in person soon.

But rest your heart, and cease your trepidation: I am Mirielle Rosseau, she of a hundred rivals, with no equal.

Scheme all they like, their claws are just not sharp enough to pierce my flesh.

M.R.