A letter to the Sandstone College

[VanillaPudding]

Professors of the esteemed Sandstone College,

It was with great regret that I have taken notice of how your efforts are viewed within Ephia's Well as a whole. The purchased legates and otherwise seek to capitalize upon your efforts and have fed the licensing agreements towards the Astronomer, those devious snakes that seek to capture all for themselves and conceal the truth of things within the great desert.

On behalf of the Cinquefoil Rose, I extend to you a branch of negotiation and mutual prosperity. I extend to you the invitation to formalize agreements of discovery that may carve a path forward for us all within these dying lands and endless dunes.

As you well know, we ourselves are seekers of things lost and buried to time or by order, and we are forever in search of the absolute truth and the infamous cup of Queens, Dakhwar, cup of the Mother, or whatever other name you might bestow upon it. Still, even beyond that, we are seekers of the past so it might glorify our future when prosperous times come upon us once more.

I extend to you and yours an invitation of negotiation within the Krak Des Roses so that we can clarify our agendas and goals and, perhaps with some ambition, align our efforts for mutual gains moving forward. Thus, you are invited to our college at a time which works best so that we can discuss these matters and how we might leverage advancement within the political battlefield of Ephia's Well and otherwise.

Balladeer Samira Al-Darwish in service to the Grandmaster
Blooded of the first Dervish
Shield of the Last Hearth
Blade of the Winds

[Iconoclast]

*This old letter is dug up, and a fresh response has been delivered*

The Sandstone-Rose Accord

On the day of Adar 12 IY 7787, a time when there is the darkening of the night and the coming of new things. This sacred covenant is etched into existence, an accord woven between the representatives of The Cinquefoil Rose, now referred to as "The Cinquefoil," and the illustrious scholars of The Sandstone College, hereafter known as "The Students."

Article 1: Noble Intent

The essence of this sacred compact is to forge an everlasting bond wherein The Cinquefoil vows to extend the benevolent protection of their organisation to The Students.

Article 2: Dutiful Pledges of The Cinquefoil

With an unwavering commitment, The Cinquefoil shall act as guardians, offering unyielding protection to The Students throughout their expeditions.

The Cinquefoil, in reverence for the pursuit of profound knowledge, shall not only safeguard the academic autonomy and integrity of The Students but also elevate and empower their scholarly endeavours.

In the spirit of benevolence, The Cinquefoil shall graciously ensure the unhindered passage of The Students through territories under their influence or protection.

Article 3: Empowered Mandate of The Students

The Students, bearers of the flame of enlightenment, shall tread upon the Krak des Roses with respect and humility, acknowledging the hospitality bestowed upon them by The Cinquefoil.

In a harmonious alliance, The Students shall graciously inform The Cinquefoil in advance of the expeditions they undertake which require guardians, and will afford The Cinquefoil ample time to prepare themselves.

The Students, as conduits of wisdom, shall generously share the fruits of their discoveries pertaining to the "Dakhwar, Cup, Blessed Chalice" of historical or artistic magnificence, with The Cinquefoil. Knowledge gained independently, absent the presence or engagement of The Cinquefoil, shall be exempt from disclosure.

The Students, as custodians of knowledge, shall humbly offer to The Cinquefoil a guided tour through its library, and will answer their questions to the best of their ability.

Article 4: Celestial Exemption

Notwithstanding the harmony of shared spoils, only artefact treasures unearthed by the Students referring to "The Chalice," "The Cup," or "The Tears of Ephia," shall be able to be claimed by The Cinquefoil. These celestial artefacts, radiant with divine significance, shall be catalogued by The Students, and then given to The Cinquefoil for custodianship.

Article 5: Eternal Continuance and Graceful Conclusion

This celestial pact shall endure until Tammuz, where lovers shed their tears. Yet it may be rekindled through the mutual radiance of both parties. The Students, guided by the celestial signs, and The Cinquefoil, guided by sacred vision, reserve the right to conclude this covenant with a tenday proclamation.

Article 6: Harmonious Resolution of Disputes

Any disputes arising from this sacred accord shall be resolved through a harmonious consultation under the celestial canopy, with a revered arbiter agreed upon by both The Cinquefoil and The Students.

Article 7: Celestial Compact

This sacred accord binds both parties and their esteemed successors and assigns, ensuring the perpetual radiance of knowledge and enlightenment.

In testimony whereof, the esteemed participants, in the spirit of refined diplomacy, affix their noble seals, uniting in the pursuit of knowledge and discovery.

Signed,

Faisal Al-Karim, Student of the Sandstone College, Purple Tassel

[VanillaPudding]

Faisal Al-Karim,

I find your letter most pleasing, yet there is one mistake that must be corrected. The contract would in fact be between the Balladeers and not the Cinquefoil Rose as a whole. I'm afraid that you would need to pay those rabid mercenaries great sums of dinar for such a thing, where as we are seeking mutual gains only.

If you might correct that then I can indeed expose these details to my peers and we might move forward.

Samira Al-Darwish.