[A letter to His Excellency, Legate Marcellus Saenus.]

[Erudiche]

Legate Saenus,

I hope my letter finds you well. It cheered me to hear that you imbibed the draught, the miracle Elixir, provided by the Sisters, and that it healed you. I contracted the self-same sickness, in fact, and have been rejuvenated by their work. The cause was most likely the irradiated tip of a spear, held by a Bashmu-kar assassin who attacked me in the Plaza, and whose noxious effect corroded my mind in the previous few days.

Many rumors float about regarding my intentions and character, and my aspirations for the seat and for your own life. Although my word may mean little, I wish to offer you, as a man of learning and reason, and a dearly beloved friend of my own friends, my own explanation of my actions. I think you a man of great virtue, Marcellus, and have believed so since I first saw you confront the Qadiran cutthroats in Assembly. I admired your resolve and ability to resist such terrible pressure. Such a trait is something that I wish I had exercised in the present election, for I spent much of it as a puppet to interests whose influence I now see was corrosive to my character and the cause of popular empowerment.

We saw in the debate that you and I are, in most matters, men of the same mind. Men of the same type, if I might dare, for we are both possessed of deadly passions and a commitment to our citadel, in the ways which we see it. Were our positions switched, Marcellus, it might be you calling for my trial. Know that I bear you, personally, no ill will. I, actually, admire your courage and commitment. I believe that, however, the Legate is a public servant, and must be accountable to that public in times of error, and that for the errors must be brought to account. I do not wish you butchered, dashed against the rocks, or whatever other insane fantasies Ibn Ghalish or my rivals have invented. I had, in truth, no intention to levy capital punishment against you whatsoever, and made this eminently clear to our mutual friend Alejandro if you need testimony to that end. I merely intended a public investigation into the facts and to allow the facts to display what I am assured would be sympathetic motivations for what has been a deeply, deeply unfortunate error in judgement.

With the Priory's Elixir available, I pray tempers might cool. I apologize to you, Marcellus, that I did not provide a better opponent. I also apologize for the notion that I might have impugned your personal virtue, in which I have never held any doubt since I have met you. I will take responsibility for my actions, for my ill temper and passions in this election. I tell you honestly, however, that I am happy that I have run. It has taught me a measure of humility and practicality, and I am consoled by the fact that I have lost to the more benevolent and vigorous of our Legates. Perhaps, in time, I might join you in the Pyramid and call you my peer. I belive the Well would have cause for joy in such an event.

I ask you for nothing, Marcellus. Merely that you consider this letter in forming your assessment in me, for I wish to put forth my own narrative, rather than leaving it to be shaped by my worst outbursts or the efforts of my enemies. I believe, sir, enabled by the proper companion, you will be able to do great work to uplift our Citadel.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Domhnall Judicael Guivarch

[WriterX]

*The letter is received, but no response arrives immediately, at least in penned form*