Katya Belyaeva

[Loops]

Student Katya Belyaeva,

I had hoped to have this conversation in person, yet the hours of our duties and the tumult of the College has meant such is not possible.

Heed these words well then, for I acknowledge and even respect your independence to date.

When I first made you my student, I gave to you a task. Learn well of the virtues amongst our near, our dear, and our enemies alike. I confess to some small disappointment that since that time, you have not come to me once to learn of the virtues and traditions of my people. Further, I was disappointed with the doubts and distrust for our rose you expressed in an attempt to-- I assume-- appease Domergue. We are never to shirk nor softly double speak. We speak truth to power.

And yet I am forced to assume it was with good reason, as oft I sheltered you from the intrigues of our halls so that you may continue your work.

The time for further learning has ended. You will present your studies to me in this upcoming week. By now, you should have learned well the virtues of Prudence, Justice, Courage, Temperance, Faith, Hope, and Charity, and how these have shaped our diasporas and will shape the world to come.

I sorely hope you have not put aside the mission I so-charged you upon for idle board work and games. For we, the Balladeers, must act without oversight and direction, towards the ends offered to us by our Grandmaster years apart. Your presentation should reflect these many months of assignment.

On another note, I expect good news regarding your conversation with Casia. It has been your opportunity to lead and inspire her into good service.

We will meet soon. I pray you do not disappoint me again.

Aeronwy Caddick,
Balladeer of the Lost Hearth

[Poolson]

Master,

These are the same doubts we have all expressed, and share between each other. Our union is not perfect, but to call it paranoia would be gross hyperbole. I have enough trust in La Banda Rossa and The Sisterhood, and it is the same trust they place within me. It is a healthy relationship in full cooperation and in complete unity, let me assure you. No wedge will be driven between us.

I am not attempting to appease Aubrey as some classroom pet, I am attempting to prove myself to her, because this is the expectation put upon me. She is the Lyrist, and Ser Hyram bids I gain her approval.

You will hear all that I have learned. Let me demonstrate that I have been paying attention to what you have been saying, and doing.

Your student,
Katya Belyaeva.