Kythaela

[Moonlighter]

A simple missive is delivered both to the barracks.

Lion, O Lion,

My investigation is compete, and you are fully cleared of all suspicion by my eye. I spoke with Estellise last night after we parted ways, and I fear we may have grossly overestimated her appetite for political manipulation in regard to your person. Connecting strands that are not there, as we often do without Warad to lift his torch for us and show us Truth.

In the interest of being brief: By my reckoning Cosine is the 'liar' and not she. I am told the poor man is 'marked.'  He is to be haunted forever, it seems, by monsters beyond our ken. It is possible what he saw was real, at least to him. Especially since I am told he continued to see such things after he left that meeting, and continues to do so from time to time now. 

She herself claims to have seen flickering lights, though not even enough to be concerned over, but nothing of the intensity and terror that he described. I suspect he merely was in the fits of a paranoid delusion, and used her word to alloy his and make it seem more credible to my eye so that I would investigate the matter. Especially since he continued to have such delusions after he left the room, and in fact, is likely still having them now.

The poor soul.

Lynneth

[SeerofLight]

You have my gratitude for clearing up the situation. Not only is that one marked by whatever nightmares plague him, he has been conjured directly by Djinn in our path before. I don't know what's wrong with that Nadiri, but something inside and out is deeply concerning.

Regardless, and I mean this, thank you.

-Balestriere Kythaela Reithel
Banda Rossa

[Moonlighter]

Another sealed missive arrives, written in steady, well-practiced and legible cursive. The paper is scented with rose perfume.

Lion, O Lion,

I fear the day has come where I have grown exhausted with fighting fairly.

Let us meet, and I will tell you of all my plans and mischief, and try to sway you to support them.

I have a gift for you that will make it worth your time.

Lynneth

[Moonlighter]

And another...

Remember what Sol Auk said: Sergeant Colmes is plotting a maneuver of some sort, after our recent bouts of rabblerousing and criminality, to test his limits and see what we might do when pressed.

To extend his influence into the Well and exert himself a bit. I expect he intends to put a checkpoint near to our dear little Krak des Roses, and have his men trouble people as they come through.

Bad, but also another baited hook, in order to make us look worse. Remember and consider this, and also informing your fellows not to bite down firmly unless absolutely necessary.

Sometimes it is important for even a Mercenary to think like a Balladeer, yes? Some well placed mockery and derision can be sharper than any blade, and shan't trouble us too much.

Our new Interim Legate, like most Ashfolk, is a staunch boot-licker. If anyone is to disturb his requested two days of peace, let it be the Maribid's loyal dogs in the Misfortune and not we petals and thorns.

Of course, if he presses his luck and makes a ploy for our little castle, or it's gate, a measured response would be most appropriate by my eye.

These vultures have taken enough from us. They shouldn't be allowed to infringe upon what little scraps they've left for us to hold after they've already picked clean the bones of better men and women than they.

Believe it or not, I fully trust for you to use your judgment on how far is too far. If you're going to raise hell, have a good reason for it.

Lynneth

[SeerofLight]

If there is to be blood, then there will be blood. If there is to be mockery, we will savor every second of it.
If there is to be war, then there will be war. But I know better than to be the lone instigator of the conflict.
I am well behaved, and I will ensure that my fellows remain the same. So oft are they the voices of reason, whereas the Lion enjoys her moment to shine.
I do not fear the consequences, but I have learned well that we all must don our masks for the safety of our people.

-Balestriere Kythaela Reithel
Banda Rossan Scouting Corps
Lion of the Cinquefoil Rose