Letter shared around the White League Office

[Poolson]

Dear Candidate (Alejandro, as of this writing),

Gossip spreads like wild fire. I hear the Purple Legates turned away the prospect of making allies, while we're in the middle of a war campaign.

I could understand Qadira not sitting well with the Purple League, who value loyalty to the Sultan above all else, but I have to be blunt when I say that this war is a two man job, at the bare minimum. Doing it alone is going to take everything out of us and make us an easy target for the next person who wants to kick this place over.

Maybe we shouldn't turn away help if we don't have any other neighbors who are willing to join in on this with us.

I don't think the Sultan is going to save us if things go pear shaped, either. It would be less costly for him to negotiate with whoever sacked the Well so that he keeps getting his water, and easier for the people who take the city, to give him his due.

I think it would look good for us, and even be healthy for our League's future - if not the city itself - to make efforts to raise diplomats, and make friends elsewhere. I would go as far to say I insist on it, if you want me to sign your petition for the next election cycle, and I'm sure others around the League feel the same way.

If you want to show that you feel the same way, sign your notice here.

- Isadora Sylvestre.

[Don Nadie]

Dear señora Isadora,

Firstly, a clarification: this is not merely a war where we'll be defeated and someone else will take our place, but an existential one. Iakmes's Legions are not something to negociate with - not by the Sultan, not by us, not by Qadira. In truth, no city in the Great Ash Desert should be too keen to see us fall: the orcan will not be sharing Water - they will raze all in their path. If you, or any member of the League, has false impressions as to the nature of this conflict, feel free to seek me. As Head of Research and Culture in the War Council, I am quite suited to answer your questions.

Secondly, I do not think anyone disagrees with the need of diplomacy, allies and peace. I also do wonder if gossip, like wildfire, is more notable for its devouring nature than its accuracy. Then again, I famously love gossip, so I can't quite complain when others indulge. The greatest trick of the gossiper, however, is to be aware of the point of view that you're being fed, lest you be tricked.

Simply put: I do not quite know the reason for this missive nor for the demand. Have I, at any point, showed myself to be against making allies and peace? I would love to see the concern clearly, should it exist, so that the actual issue can be addressed, if there is any. For now, however, I can simply sign that yes, of course: I am in favor of alliances with our neighbours.

Yours,

Alejandro Benjázar