A letter to Domhnalll

[Don Nadie]

My friend,

It feels as though the situation has grown troubling. I have encouraged the Legate to bring forth transparency to the matter of the Red Star. It feels that, much like its consequences, it will grow cancerous over time... And the more I learn, the more I am troubled by the tale. Laying it all out is what the Well deserves. I fear all of them operated with the best of intentions, but I am endlessly troubled by what seems, at times, like a carelessness verging on the suicidal. I hope this coming "Forum" shall see justice done.

I also wished to inquire as to the position of the Banda Rossa in this election, particularly one Connor Bootpolisher. He came to me seeking to sell me his vote for the League of White in exchange for a thousand dinari and some supplies. I played along, whilst neither accepting his offer nor letting him leave any written evidence of it. He seemed /suspiciously/ eager to get a contract. Even if it were not a Banda Rossan, and even if it were not a morally questionable thing to do, this buying of mercenary votes, it still feels suspicious. And too cheap by far.

I of course suspect he is trying to play me with all the subtlety one can expect of the Banda. Either for the sake of another League or just to extract some coin (perhaps from more members) and then vote for whomever he wishes. Your insight in this matter (and his nature, should you know him) would be useful.

I lamment that I haven't been by your side more in this Election. I trust you know I am very thankful for your efforts, and for your kind words the other day. The falafel, too, was pleasant.

Yours,

Alejandro

[Erudiche]

Alejandro,

A prescient analysis on all accounts. I do not know where the Banda stand, in truth. I've offered them certain concessions, but every time I find a situation set in order, I return to find it set amok. All that is white is black, all that is right is wrong, all that is fair is foul, and so on and so forth. I am, to some degree, grateful you've been spared this, for it is beginning to drive me to madness.

Ultimately fate will guide my hand. I am resigned to whatever the outcome of the election may be. I have faced too many betrayals, disorientations, and mistakes of my own hand. I will tread the waters.

Domhnall.

[Don Nadie]

My friend,

Many rumors have circled arround me in the past few days. The tales are concerning and contradictory, and I am troubled. Of course, I have known you since your arrival, and I know you are a passionate, intelligent and dedicated man, but neither bloodthirsty nor tyrannical. Still, I would wish to speak, should you have the time. Many have come to me bringing concerns about sham trials and the desire of seeing Marcellus to the lions. I can but admit concern for the fate of my old friend, who may have erred, but never out of malice.

In truth, I can perfectly understand your weariness. Like you, I have found my attempts at politics exhausting, as what deals I worked for in the day were undone while I slept. I always woke up to fresh horrors, and to find all my efforts turned to dust. And I imagine that the same patterns are taking much of your energy. Were I to be in a promising mood, I'd offer a few hours of coffe and conversation, with but a simple rule: that politics be prohibited. We'd have to make due with literature, I suppose. Perhaps discuss your own publications.

Alas, I do not think that is a luxury either of us can afford.

As for the Banda, I shall simply say no. I do not feel comfortable with the buying of votes, as a matter of principle, and the stink of this plot is rather unpleasant. Plus, I generally prefer not to make deals with my beloved brethren of the Rose.

Yours,

Alejandro

[Erudiche]

Alejandro,

In this hour, you are needed more than ever. Treason assails us from all sides. Liars wag their tongues. The Tower has attempted on my life and the life of my associates. Aubrey demanded all power in my government for herself. These are dark times. I need you now.

I do not intend sham trials. I intend an open, transparent, deliberative process as to the nature of the cursed project which has left hundreds dead and more sick, which has produced unimaginable suffering for those poor and desperate the Rose means to defend. I do not wish Marcellus dead, for I know him to be a righteous man, yet in the interests of justice his actions must be investigated, and his conduct examined.

Alejandro, I beg of you. Please, help the people now.

[Don Nadie]

My friend,

The news are very troubling, though I am glad to hear you remain whole and safe. Please, be careful. Were my schedule and yours not so often in conflict, I'd offer my protection. As things stand, I will only be able to do so when circumstances permit.

The Acolyte's telling, and the Scribes's records of the Bellows, paint a harsh and troubling night. I hope you know my distaste of treating elections like a market, exchanging political positions for votes as though they were but eggs and coins. I remain, as ever, commited to vote for what is best for the Well, not what is best for one individual person or group. Above, even, my loyalty to our League. Were Marcellus willing to submit himself to Inquiry, were all of the greed and self-interest from every corner not murking the waters, I'd likely be happy with both candidates.

I am, as ever, devoted to what's best for the Well, for the world. I hope that you know that.

But still. If time permits, I'd love to talk.

Yours,

Alejandro

[Don Nadie]

My friend,

Let us speak when you have the time, for I have tales which, while not making up for the loss, may perhaps amelliorate its pain.

Yours,

Alejandro

[Erudiche]

Alejandro,

I would love to meet with you, friend. Even the pleasure of your company should soothe the sting of my loss, although I fear it was, in its course, beneficent and necessary that I accept this defeat, for it shall teach me much of humility.

Yours,
Domhnall

[Don Nadie]

My friend,

The reasons to speak accumulate. Let us endeavour to make time. I'll get the falafels.

Yours,

Alejandro