De Haguns Family/Furiae/Letters on the Rebellion of Itaufield

Context: Following the rebellion in Itaufield, orders were initially issued to proceed with a hostile take over against the peasants, followed by orders to proceed with a neutral take over.

Letter from Haide Osoro

M'lady,

I know you are not my marshal (thankfully..........) but I want to confide in you as a friend because I know that you are more experienced in matters of diplomacy and state than I.

Currently, I am in Itaufield attempting to help restore the peace. At first I was ordered to assist in a hostile takeover, which I will not do. My Osos will not murder peasants no matter the cause, for any cause that demands the murder of innocents is wrong.

Our orders were changed to a neutral takeover, and I have followed those orders to see justice delivered here. However, my Osos have reported that more than a fifth of the Itaufield populace have already been terrorized by the Golden Host. Because of this, I find myself questioning the righteousness of our cause. How can I claim to install "justice" when our own behave so unjustly?

I do not know yet what I will do, but if I must conscientiously object, I will accept the consequences.

-H

Haide Osoro

Dame of Golden Farrow

Letter from Furiae de Haguns

(this letter is penned in Furiae's own elaborate handwriting)

Dame Haide Osoro,

No one tell you the hardest part of battle and the hardest choices in war or statecraft are figuring out when sacrifices are necessary, and how to mitigate everlasting damages, death and mistakes.

I found that by myself, the hardest way.

As a Marshal and as a friend, I will give you advice.

Do as your Marshal tells you concerning military matters, for you are in no position to refuse, nor should you refuse. Tol Goldora has one, if not, the most professional military in Dwilight, and it thrives due to the fact that orders are issued and obeyed. The day we lose our respect for hierarchy and decide to disobey orders is the day we will lose our edge over other countries. Tol Goldora is striving to become the military mighty of this continent, and we shall succeed, so we can defend our homeland against aggressions.

To achieve this, we need unity. Sedition, rebels, and those that act against the unity of Tol Goldora are traitors, and deserve to be treated as such.

Peasants have been living in peace, with justice delivered by the nobility and by the Autarch's grace and will. Under my rule, Faithill thrives, because I am a fair and just ruler. And so are the other lords in the realm. Unfortunately, the rabble cannot see beyond their immediate interests and entertain thoughts of independence. Still, my friend, I must ask you: what happens if they decide to take these matters back into their own hands?

Not long ago, Itau was a haven for pirates. In the south, in Laraibina and Madina Island, slavers traded souls until not long ago, where now the undead roam. And the rest of the roguelands? Oppresed by local warlords or under constant attack by monsters and undead, for they are easy prey without nobles to protect them and stabilize the social order.

To be within Tol Goldora's domain means to be civilized, and shielded from the perils of the world. How many nobles have bled and sacrificed their lives to protect the peasants that now dare to take up in arms against their protectors? How many soldiers have died to protect those that now turn their back to Tol Goldora? So that the peasants can live their lives, have their children, eat and sleep safely.

The peasants in Itaufield revolted because they do not know right from wrong, and believe they do not need our protection. Can you imagine what would happen if we let this go unpunished? What message we would send to the other provinces, and even to D'Hara or Astrum, should they discover it? It would be a message of weakness.

This is the righteous of our cause. In a land plagued by undead hordes and monsters, Tol Goldora is a beacon of hope and a shield for civilization. And nothing will shake my belief in the justness of our cause.

Initially, the orders were to brutalize the peasants, but they were eventually changed to more neutral manners of dealing justice and disciplining them . The revolting peasants are not as innocent as you believe, given what I have explained to you.

As much as I am a Marshal, I am a soldier. I obey orders, even if I may disagree with them on a personal level. If not, how could I expect the nobles under my command to follow me and trust me? How can your men trust and follow you, if you do not obey your commanding officer, the Marshal of the Golden Host?

Once the Stratarch told me that "loyalty is only a ladder if it goes two ways. For you and for the nobles you lead".

I hope this may help ease your doubts.

Yours, and carried by the winds,

Furiae de Haguns

Baroness of Faithill

Marshal of the Gylden Expeditionary Legion

Letter from Haide Osoro

Lady Furiae de Haguns,

Not long ago, I was that "rabble." Living under a pirate lord who reigned through terror and "disciplined," as you say, any who would not follow his every whim. And then "disciplined" some more just for fun.

Terrible actions come from a place of fear. To crush fear with more fear is putting out fire with fire. A power who terrorizes indiscriminately only serves to ostracize those who remained strong and loyal, and will drive them into the arms of the nearest leader who promises relief.

But perhaps you are right and I should have been disciplined as well upon arriving on the shores of Golden Farrow.

Haide Osoro

Dame of Golden Farrow

Letter from Furiae de Haguns

Haide,

You were never rabble, you are of noble birth. Never let anyone else say the opposite, nor should you ever try to equal yourself to commoners. It is unbecoming of your noble heritage.

There is a clear difference to living under a pirate lord that terrorizes the people and enforcing discipline.

Sometimes discipline requires victims, and most times violence is the only way to keep order in a world of chaos.

Do I like it? No, I do not. Still I am not one to take on fights that cannot be won, and I will not fight against the very human nature or the order of the world as it exists. I choose my battles carefully, when I know I can win. This is how I reached the place I am now.

Uprisings must be put down, one way or another. I prefer to avoid bloody means, but I follow orders as they are issued.

What you need to understand is that for peace to prevail, everyone must accept our authority and obey it. Or be broken by it.

The peasants of Itaufield rebelled, and they must pay the price. Their offense is reprehensible, and our hold in the West of Tol Goldora dwindles, peasants starting to entertain thoughts of rebelling. Not long ago, I repeat, the city of Itau was a haven of pirates, and now the Duke, His Grace Aidan MacArbin makes sure that the population is supplied with food. I have even offered to help him in this matter with Faithill's own granaries. There is no reason for rebellion other than to disrupt the peace we are trying to build.

My friend, can you imagine if what happened in Itaufield started to happen throughout Tol Goldora? Peasants banding up together, plunging our nation into confusion. The Times of Trouble would seem as nothing if compared to this. Lawlessness and savagery would reign! It is by striking fear into enemies, both internal and foreign, that we can stay safe.

Yet we are merciful, so we will only discipline them and avoid unnecessary bloodshed. We could bring down judgement and vengeance, but we do not.

I know you may not understand what I write yet, but one day you will. I know you may see me as cruel, even if I am not, for I try to mitigate sacrifices, even when they are necessary.

We are arriving at the dawn of a new era for Tol Goldora, so we may face the future together.

I just hope that when you finally realize I was right all along, you do not regret your choices.

Yours, and carried by the winds,

Furiae de Haguns

Baroness of Faithill

Marshal of the Gylden Expeditionary Legion

Letter from Haide Osoro

(this letter is written shakily)

Lady Furiae de Haguns,

My noble heritage is the pirate lord and I would frankly rather be a commoner.

And worry not. As my father taught me, I never regret.

Haide Osoro

Dame of Golden Farrow

Letter from Furiae de Haguns

(this letter is written in Furiae's handwriting)

Haide,

You can call me just by Furiae, when we write letters in private, or when we are alone.

It does matter who you were born, but more than that, the choices you make and who you want to become. I have learned this well. You will always be a noble by birth, and you must understand the responsibilities this bring, both to the realm and to the peasants that depend on our protection.

I would never have reached the place I am now if I had not be bold to defy expectations that were placed for me. To defy my family's plans for how my life should be and decide to carve my own path, through iron and fire.

You seem to be too attached to your past. I let mine go, so I could become someone my family never thought possible. And I have thrived.

The future belongs to the bold, my dear friend.

Act in such a way you do not regret the person you become in the future.

Yours, and carried by the winds,

Furiae de Haguns

Baroness of Faithill

Marshal of the Gylden Expeditionary Legion

Letter from Haide Osoro

Lady Furiae de Haguns,

Were I attached to my past, I'd have no issue slaughtering peasants. I, too, have strived every day to defy the path laid out for me and have the scars to prove it.

It seems we have reached an impasse, my lady, for the only thing I could ever regret is going against my conscience.

Haide Osoro

Dame of Golden Farrow

Roleplay from Furiae de Haguns

Roleplay from Furiae de Haguns

(Personal message to Haide Osoro) Furiae had received Haide's first letter in Faithill, shortly after her swift victory, with no casualties against the undead horde, and was in a very good mood, going so far as to commend the nobles who had taken part in the battle with her to the Stratarch for their bravery in combat. However, as Haide's letters came, first in Faithill, then in Demyansk, the Marshal of the Gylden Expeditionary Legion's mood started to fastly deteriorate, annoyed as she was with the dame's petulance and disobedience. Why could she not listen to reason was the very question Furiae asked. This fondness for commoners and peasants reminded her of her cousin Orpheu, that idiot who had taken a commoner girl, far too old to be anything than a tavern wench or a servant, as his squire. And Furiae knew all too well the reasons that lecherous cousin of hers had done so, though she could not understand... he had been promised in marriage to Cerise Aumerle, the only girl in the Perdan Mines that could dream of rivalling Furiae's beauty - but of course Furiae was the clear winner, perhaps in the entirety of Perdan, or even the East Continent, she thought. And now this new dame of Golden Farrow seemed to gloat about how "chivalrous" she was, thinking of the good of the peasants. "Stop the horses, we shall rest for the night efore advancing further into Melch Alb. You have earned your rest with that impressive display against the horde", she commanded, and captain Magnus Heidric went on his way to make sure the former mercenary company, now loyal to Furiae, started setting up camp not far away from the causeway. A stable boy approached with the mounting block, so Furiae could dismount easily from Swifstar, and so she did. The boy noticed her serious face and looked at his feet, half ashamed, half afraid. Her eyes darted to him and she sighed. This boy had been serving in her entourage for a while, and yet she had never addressed him. Her hand gently rubbed his unruly hair in a playful way, just as she had seen Haide do to Taylor, but was quite alien to her. However, Furiae but she said nothing, while the boy looked confused at the lady that went to supervise the installation of her pavilion. Haide is inexperienced, childish, too headstrong to hear sound advice. Where does she think she is? Perdan, under Alyssa's rule? Hasn't she realized we are at war against beasts, monsters and undead, and we cannot have rebellions, our own people, the very people we swore to protect, trying sedition against us? This cannot go unpunished... I tried to at least contain unnecessary bloodshed, I could have done more, but I would be seen as weak! Tol Goldora would be seen as weak, and I have no final say on this, the Duke gave us leave to deal with them as we saw fit, she thought, not feeling guilty at all. She could understand Haide's vision, but Furiae was certain that the dame was wrong. There was no other way, there could be no other way, for the rabble had to know their place. Even if Furiae was not fond of violent means when a peaceful solution could be achieved, she knew all too well the implications this could have in the political landscape of Tol Goldora. Rebellion cells were rampant in Itau, so far away from the capital, where thoughts of independence thrived. To allow those that rebelled against the Countess of Itaufield to go unpunished... it could spark a wave of movements for independence in the western side of Tol Goldora, all the while they were pursuing an expansionist policy. Furiae could be dispassionate, but not cruel. She was concerned with the very idea of a Goldoran nation, even it meant that Tol Goldora would be mighty and great if the goldoran peasants were to be wretched and despoiled. And Haide needs to understand this, for the time of childish games such as we played in my... her Stronghold Precint are to end.

Furiae de Haguns

Roleplay from Haide Osoro

Roleplay from Haide Osoro

(Personal message to Furiae de Haguns) Haide sits alone in the fields of an abandoned farm, using a stick to scratch into the dirt. Her Osos wait for her about a half-mile away, still "resting" at camp. But even they know that "resting" is only a filler command as Haide decides what to do next about the takeover. Ever since that damn wedding, Haide had been dissociating. It happens almost every day it seems. She will be walking around fine, and then hear some random noise, or a specific word, or see a flicker of something strange, and suddenly, wham. It's like she's detached from her body, floating. But not floating in the pleasant way, like with alcohol. Floating in a rising water way, like when you know it will soon pull you under. And the worst part is that it's always accompanied by more memories. If she could bless the witch who took her memories from her, she certainly would. And then pay her to do it again. The past few times this "dissociation" had happened, Haide hadn't known what specifically caused it. But this time she did. "Discipline." The same ugly word her fath—her captain had used to to justify his cruelty. Every time it was said, it was followed by pain, and she fears the word with every fiber of her being. She had trusted Furiae. And then she had said it. Part of Haide knows that she's being unfair. That Furiae didn't mean it the same way her captain had said it so many times. But also... Furiae kind of did mean it that way, didn't she? Arguing to "punish" the "rabble"? Declaring "lessers" undeserving of life and freedom? Unafraid to catch the innocent in the crossfire? Uncaring about who she— SNAP! Haide had been subconsciously grinding the stick so hard into the dirt that it snapped, nicking the palm of her hand. It should've hurt, but it didn't really. Haide presses the thumb of her other hand into the cut to staunch the bleeding. She can't help but feel betrayed. When Edelyn had said that no harm would come of her, she had taken that to mean that Tol Goldora would be different. When Calypso hadn't whipped them all, she had taken that to mean that Tol Goldora would be different. When Furiae had found her outside the wedding and spoken to her so gently and kindly, she had taken that to mean that Tol Goldora would be different. And perhaps to another noble, it would still be so. But for Haide, dread and fear had settled into the pit of her stomach like a molten rock. It is different, maybe. But it isn't different enough. And how can she ever trust anybody who accepts violence as a means of control? Haide pushes herself to her feet, not bothering to knock the dirt off her pants. She knows now what she will tell her men. As for Furiae, she just hopes that's able to not seem afraid the next time they meet.

Haide Osoro

Letter from Haide Osoro

Lady Furiae,

I heard that you recently turned 18 years of age. I do not know if you celebrate such things, but if you do, then I hope it was good.

-H

Haide Osoro

Dame of Golden Farrow

Letter from Furiae de Haguns

Dame Haide Osoro,

Thank you for the gentle reminder of my birthday. It was good, as always.

Though I must say I am absolutely disappointed with you due to our last exchanges and your myopic view on this subject of how rebellious peasants should be treated, for there are much larger aspects at stake. I ask you to once again read our letters, for I will not waste ink repeating them. I also wish to give you the benefit of doubt and try to better enlighten you. Due to this, it is my wish to meet you soon, so we may address this matter personally. There is so much letters can do.

Yours, and carried by the winds,

Furiae de Haguns

Baroness of Faithill

Marshal of the Gylden Expeditionary Legion

Letter from Haide Osoro

Lady Furiae de Haguns,

Trust that I have read your letters many, many times and do not feel differently. If anything, it has reminded me how much I wish you would stop using that f*ing word discipline, which is just a stand-in for the violence that you cannot name because you know it is wrong.

Where shall I report, my lady? I dare not ignore your wishes lest I face your “discipline” myself, but suffice to say that I am equally disappointed.

Haide Osoro

Dame of Golden Farrow

Letter from Furiae de Haguns

Osoro,

Meet me at Knyazes. You will recognize my banners.

Carried by the winds,

Furiae de Haguns

Baroness of Faithill

Marshal of the Gylden Expeditionary Legion

Letter from Haide Osoro

Anything you wish, my lady. I shall follow the trail of brutalized peasants.

Haide Osoro

Dame of Golden Farrow

Roleplay from Haide Osoro

Roleplay from Haide Osoro

(Personal message to Furiae de Haguns) Haide wads up the fresh-sent report from the new Marshal of the Golden Host. "F*!" she exclaims. Taylor and Eduardo look at her in surprise. "I mean... Nooo...." she corrects weakly. Goddess death, she's been cussing too much and she knows it. 'Impolite language' was much more acceptable and common on ships than it seems to be amongst the nobility of Tol Goldora. "I'll be back. Be good, Taylor." She ruffles his hair to make sure he knows that her frustration isn't directed at him and then stomps off the Old Road, navigating through the trees of the Northern Woods to spend some time alone. Once she gets far enough away from her Osos to not be heard, she slams her palm repeatedly into a tree trunk. "F*, f*, f*!" How could Furiae—Furiae!!!!—be the marshal of the Golden Host?!?! Wasn't she supposed to be off... raiding or whatever with the Legion?? "F*!" Haide presses her back against the trunk and sinks down on the dirt before she hurts herself. Already, her hand stings from the rough bark, which is distracting in an appreciated but messed up kind of way. She knows she screwed up (to put it mildly) in her last letters with Furiae, but can't bring herself to regret it. Or apologize. Or do anything that might otherwise help to extinguish the rapidly building flames. It's difficult to reconcile the Peasant-Abusing Furiae from their letters with the Leader Furiae ordering a peaceful takeover in the report. It's a side of Furiae that Haide's not seen before, and if she didn't hate her with a passion at the moment, she might feel a way about it. But as it stands, she feels no way. No way, at all. At all, at all. Definitely. Haide groans and grabs onto her own hair. A small part of her (a part that's she's currently very frustrated with) wants to see Furiae in Knyazes for some horrible reason that can surely only boil down to masochism. While a much larger part of her is scared sh**less because she knows that she's probably definitely in for it, especially now that the Baroness is officially her superior. If I'd known, I wouldn't have.... ...No, that's not true. I would've. "Tonta," Haide chides herself instinctively. Heaving a sigh, she knows she has no choice but to follow the new orders and march towards her inevitable fate.

Haide Osoro

Letter from Furiae de Haguns

(this letter clearly bears a different handwriting than Furiae's, indicating that it was dictated to a scribe)

To the Dame of Golden Farrow, warden of Stroghold Precint,

Dame Haide Osoro,

Greetings. By the Stratarch's grace, I announce that I have been bestowed with the honor of being chosen as Marshal of the Golden Host, a role I shal fulfill for the good of Tol Goldora.

Under normal circumstance, I would not send such a letter, but this turn of events make it necessary, given our last exchange of missives.

Do not fear reprisals due to the letters and words that were sent. As much as I am your new commanding officer, I know all too well when to separate personal and military matters, and I take care of those that serve under the banner of an army I have the honor of commanding.

Yours truly, and carried by the winds,

Furiae de Haguns

Baroness of Faithill

Marshal of the Golden Host

Letter from Haide Osoro

(This letter is the most aggressively written yet, still in Haide’s horrendous handwriting)

Understood, Marshal.

Haide Osoro

Dame of Golden Farrow

Letter from Nalaya Everwind

Baroness Furiae, Marshal of the Golden Host,

First and foremost, congratulations on your new position! I am happy for you.

As well as happy, it saddens me that you left the Legion with no warning, for I enjoyed our journeys together and only wonder what it will be like without either your or Dame Haide.

But I shall do my best, but you will be missed. Congratulations, truly!

Yours Faithfully,

Nalaya Everwind

Viscountess of Knyazes

Letter from Furiae de Haguns

Viscountess Nalaya,

Thank you for this warm letter, I have been blessed with the Stratarch's trust to take command over the Golden Host, and shall act in the best way to secure Tol Goldora's defensive and offensive capabilities are perfectly attuned, as befit this grand realm.

(...)

Dame Haide Osoro will be safe in the Golden Host, I shall take care of her, though I find myself worried. She has started to entertain troubling and silly notions of being kind and generous to rebels and troublemakers instead of punishing them for their misdeeds, going so far as to be quite offensive to me in letters when I countered her opinions. She needs to learn discipline, and I shall ensure this. We have arranged to meet by Knyazes, after the annexation of Dunnbrook is finished, since it shall be on the route to Golden Farrow, where I will stop shortly before going to Faithill.

Tell me, as Viscountess of Knyazes, would you like to accompany me and assist me try to help Haide? She is also your friend.

Yours, and carried by the winds,

Furiae de Haguns

Baroness of Faithill

Marshal of the Golden Host

Letter from Nalaya Everwind

Baroness Furiae,

(...)

Regarding Dame Haide, the subject has been on my mind a lot too. It makes me question what I am even doing here, meaning the Legion.. I think I was so impressed with you that you could've told me to... climb up a tower with my bare hands, and I would've done so.

I do not wish to raid, Furiae, nor do I wish to ruin innocent people's livelihoods. And, I'm afraid that includes using methods of intimidation and cruelty even if it is to those who are not so 'innocent'.

There are better ways, I have spent the last few days in Dunnbrook buying drinks and talking to these people, and as I already knew from my days with them in Perdan, they are just the same as you and I!

Haide has a horrible past, and she is proof that violence and 'discipline' earn no respect or lasting favour. Kindness and respect? That builds loyalty, safety, trust that when your back is turned, these people will not look to plant a knife in it. Else Haide would have returned to her former life, now some of her memories return.

You are both important to me, and I know I owe you a lot - but I owe nobody my morales.

If you mean to discuss this in my lands then I will be present for it. Not to back up Haide, but nor to back up you. This issue needs to be resolved like true nobles, so as you expect Haide to listen to you, so should you listen to her as well.

Know that its taken all my courage to write this. I do not wish to make an enemy of you.

Your Friend,

Nalaya Everwind

Viscountess of Knyazes

Letter from Furiae de Haguns

Vicountess Nalaya,

I must confess. After reading your letter, I was surprised and had to check twice if the same meek, weak and shy girl that I had seen just a few days ago was the same that sent this daring letter. Yet it was your seal. And I am positively surprised, it seems that after earning your new ladyship, you decided to grow a backbone and show your claws. I think I have been a good influence and role model for you, after all.

Let go of your perdanese rootsand morales, Nalaya, they only hold you back. We raid because we need to raid, we raid because we need food, since it's a scarce commodity in Tol Goldora. We raid because we need gold to buy food, and recruit soldiers, and improve the livelihoods of goldorans. Do you think I care for those that live in far away lands? I care not. My goal is to help my homeland, our homeland, even if it comes at the expenses of peasants that live in lands too far away for me to care.

And if the peasants try to defy authority, they will pay for this folly. Ambitious men who lead them and who plot rebellion against the peace and harmony of Tol Goldora will not avoid their fates,and pay with blood. Their mistakes shall always, and always be rectified with proportional punishment. These criminals must never be delt with diplomacy or persuasion, for they lack even the basic understanding of those. Violence is the only path to enlighten them, and they shall be held directly responsible for the rivers of blood and tears that shall flow if they ever dare to rise again in foolishness.

Said that, I must say that I care so much about you, Nalaya, so much. Just as I do with Haide. I want you to become stronger. Let this be an advice for your ladyship: mercy and kindness can only take you so far. Sometimes a military commander or a ruler, may it be a lord or the Autarch needs to be cruel. As much as respect must be earned, fear must be instilled. One in our positions cannot rely only in love or fear, or shall thread lightly in position. There are days I am merciful, there are days I am harsh, there are days I balance my decisions. But I am always fair and reasonable, and do not act recklessly or seeking satisfaction in senseless violence.

A true leader knows when to show kindness and love, and when to discipline, or better punish disloyalty and treason.

I know my thoughts are not loved by Haide, and perhaps not by you. But they are born out of one true thing - my love for Tol Goldora, my desire to see this realm prosper and be self-reliant. And my uniyelding certainty that I am right and you are wrong in your assumptions that you can rule through respect and lasting favour, kindness and respect.

On a final note, concerning your lands in Knyazes, Vice-Marshal von Hammersmark is on his way to safeguard them. Thankfully the horde is moving towards Mozyr, and shall be engaged by his cavalry with the Knight Sebastian Laststar's own infantry.

I apologize for the harsh content of my letter. I adore you, Nalaya, so it causes me grief to see you entertain these absurd notions. I had to pour my heart into it, so please do not hate me for what I say.

See this not as a provocation or insult. I have grown to respect you, even if you cling to the same misguided notions that clouds Haide's judgement. If this is thecase, I shall respect your stubbornness, though I shall pray daily to the Tidemother that you do not live to regret your decisions in the future, and that you shall see the truth in my words .Never back away from disagreeing with me or trying to persuade me, I am a reasonable person and am able to listen and ponder my own assumptions, trying to assess if they are wrong.

You are no enemy of mine. How could I consider you such, when I adore you so much?

Yours, and carried by the winds,

Furiae de Haguns

Baroness of Faithill

Marshal of the Golden Host

Letter from Nalaya Everwind

Baroness Furiae,

Well I'm glad I caused no disrespect or offense, and well, I've noticed you seem to appreciate directness and speaking of mind. We both know what I refer to there, assuming you even remember it.

I could probably find way to argue everything you have said in your letter, just let it be summarised that I respectfully disagree. I'm sure you hear enough from Dame Haide.

All I shall say is that the only reason I am not still in Clermont - which I hear is part of the realm Perleone now, by the way, fulfilling my parents' dull wishes is because I set out to be somebody. To be strong, yes, but also to be just and virtuous - don't mistake me for a pacifist, Furiae, I will fight and kill when I need to. The raiding unsettles me, but I can maybe get past that, all I know is that if you and I were born in different blood, these people we make pay with 'blood' could have been us.

We did not choose to be of noble birth, not even you... similarly, they did not choose to be of common birth.

Thank you for being reasonable, and not hating me, and for ordering help for my new region. (...)

Speak soon, let me know if you wish to speak with Dame Haide in Knyazes.

Ever Faithfully,

Nalaya Everwind

Viscountess of Knyazes

Letter from Furiae de Haguns

Viscountess Nalaya,

Yes, I prefer to be blunt and avoid unnecessary pleasantries at times, especially with people I trust, such as you. I think that being open to honesty to one another is a sign of friendship.

When the time comes, I shall go to Knyazes. The annexation of Dunnbrook is almost finished, soon we will be rising Tol Goldora's banners across these lands.

Said that, you may not no this, but I have not been born with noble blood due to circumstances or chance. No, it is fate. Did you know the winds spoke to me? I shall tell you a secret, one I know you shall keep well guarded, for we trust in each other. One day (...)

I am destined to greatness, Nalaya, and I was born as a noble to fulfill the fate the Tidemother has in store for me. Nobles are born as nobles because that is the natural order of the world, established by the goddess herself, so we can maintain order in chaos and rule the smallfolk. Being born a noble is a divine right and duty, and trivial things such as will or choice have no influence in this matter. There are some that do not ackowledge their destiny, and struggle for a lifetime while achieving nothing; there are those that flee from their divine missions, only to stain their reputation and live or die in regret; and there are those, such as me that fully embrace their noble heritage and acknowledge the very divide that separates us nobles from the peasants. Our blood is very different from that of a commoner, for it is imbued with the divine right of rulership. To fail to understand this is a disgrace!

(...)

Yours, and carried by the winds,

Furiae de Haguns

Baroness of Faithill

Marshal of the Golden Host

Letter from Nalaya Everwind

Baroness Furiae,

Thank you firstly for your advice regarding Knyazes, it is much appreciated, as well as your offer - I am fine for gold for now, though if I do ever need any from you, please be assured I would pay it back as soon as I can.

I just wanted to write to say that I hope you are okay, Furiae - you have been involved in quite a lot of drama lately with different people, and I hope I haven't caused any extra stress for you.

You are my friend and if you ever need somebody to talk to, I am here. Please remember that always.

Your Friend,

Nalaya Everwind

Viscountess of Knyazes

Letter from Furiae de Haguns

Viscountess Nalaya,

My dear friend, thank you for asking about me. I am all right, though I must admit that certainly sad with the current developments. (...) As always, I triumph in the end.

Still, I feel sorry and even lonely after this attack. To speak frankly, I miss you, Nalaya. Soon I will be returning to Faithill, because I have been far away far too long on the Autarchy's business. I thought that maybe after the whole ordeal with Haide is finished and we bring her back to her senses, perhaps we could send the viscountess on her way to Mozyr, where she can stay in that menagerie, while we stay in Knyazes to enjoy the day? I remember seeing fields of wild flowers when we were pacifying the region, and I would trade my armor for a day wearing a light gown, and enjoy your company walking through those fields. Two perdanese girls ought to stick together, after all! And I do need some rest and respite.

I hope to one day take you to Faithill with me, so we could see the wild forests and maybe we could hunt together! I always look forwardt to hearing from you.

Yours, and carried by the winds,

Furiae de Haguns

Baroness of Faithill

Marshal of the Golden Host

Letter from Nalaya Everwind

Baroness Furiae,

Viscountess Haide did not mean it as an attack, of that I'm sure. But nor would I call it a fit of madness, Furiae, don't you see that your words cause her harm?

Haide apologised for her harsh words in public to you, Furiae, I care for her deeply and I don't want it thought that she was apologising for her views. You do not need to agree with them, but you do need to respect that they are her views. Haide is a Lady of the Realm now, as am I, so all I advise is to consider who you include in your letters, unless of course you intended for her to see that?

Of course I would like to spend time with you, you're my friend. I don't want you to feel sad, just as I don't want Haide to, although it saddens me how you describe 'sending her away', I felt like all three of us could be good friends. She doesn't hate you, do you hate her?

Nonetheless, if you wish to speak to me then Haide doesn't need to be there, no, but I'm sure there are nicer ways of saying it, no?

I need to make this clear before I finish this letter, if you intend to sort your differences with Haide, then you cannot ask me to support you, just as I won't support Haide against you. I have told you already that my views are more aligned with Haide's regarding the treatment of commoners.. I spent a lot of time with them when growing up, even dressed as one to avoid my parents. I spent even more time with noble boys and girls. My experience with the former was far more pleasant, for I even had to suffer the snide comments of one girl who failed to recognise me as a noble's daughter making fun of my swordplay.

I dont wish to argue with you or lecture you, but I am respectfully telling you I disagree with harsh treatment of anybody, but I will not publicly do so.

The Legion moves out soon... I freely admit I am terrified. I am sure your company would be appreciated on my return, perhaps you and Haide could talk before we leave so I know you won't tear each other to pieces in my absence?

Ever Faithfully,

Nalaya Everwind

Viscountess of Knyazes

Letter from Furiae de Haguns

Viscountess Nalaya,

My dear friend, how can I hate Haide, whom I love so much? I must tell you a secret, so you do not think that I hold any ill feelings towards her - we kissed in Mozyr, after we went to investigate the Menagerie of the Damned, and I feel protective of her. She almost died in that damned place, but I saved her life. Is there any greater display of affection that I could show than caring so much for her?

Also, I do respect her opinions, though I consider them foolish, childish and naive notions that do not properly grasp the complexicity of the world we live in. I tried to explain this in the most didactic and generous manner possible in our letters, but she just replied in a sulky tone and petulant way, even after she requested my advice as the tried to find a way to ease her conscience and disobey her marshal's orders concerning the rebellion in Itaufield. Do you not see the position she placed me, as another marshal of Tol Goldora? Asking me to endorse her views and be an accomplice to absolute disregard for military hierarchy, and undermine the authority of another commander? This is something I do not tolerate, so let me be clear - I could have reported her to then Marshal of the Golden Host Antigone Polytus and the Stratarch's Council, yet I did not, trusting that this behavior of Haide may be rectified within time and patience. So do not you dare to try and lecture me, for you are in no position to even think about it, Nalaya, as much as I respect you and hold you very dear to my heart.

And there is so much you need to learn, Nalaya. I know all too well that Haide is a Lady of the Autarchy now, and I would be disrespecting her status and dignity if I sent a letter to all ladies and lords and did not include her. I will not censor my opinions out of fear of hurting her little soft heart. She wants to take a part in the leadership of the realm? Then she has to harden herself, and learn to navigate the intricacies of political debate, just as I did when I was unfairly accused and insulted by both her and Lady Edelyn Luitolf. In the end, she did apologize, and backed down, so I consider that specific matter settled. But make no mistake, I do not tolerate public attacks such as that public tantrum she threw in a fit. Next time I may involve the Vestarch if she cannot control herself, because a first warning has been issued. There is so much stain I can tolerate upon my honor to safeguard a dear friend, for I will not be subject to public derision. Your letter caused me to think better, and I regret stating that we could send Haide away to Mozyr, it is unfair with her. She needs our support, and I think it would be good to spend time together after we settle our pending questions in Knyazes. I want her to mature and hope she does not hold grudges against me, so we can all be friends. There is no reason to exclude her, especially as you shall soon be going overseas, for just as I love her, I love you. Both are very dear to my heart! Sometimes I may be harsh, but all I do, I do for you - I want you both to be stronger, so you may thrive.

Now, on to the preparations of our meeting in Knyazes. I am on my way, and shall send a letter very soon as I cross into the region's borders. I want us to meet in a quiet place, where we should not be disturbed, and after everything is said and done, we could head for your estate to celebrate, because I am confident Haide will come to her senses. Of you, Nayala, I ask only that you ask as a mediator of this conflict, not that you take on any sides. Just as I once gave you a mission as my little spy, perhaps now you could be our little diplomat?

P.S. Interesting tale concerning your experiences with commoners and nobles as you recall your childhoold in Aix (or was it Lorient?). I have one myself that I still laugh at times, though it is quite different from yours, though it happened quite near, in Clermont. When I was maybe ten or eleven years old, I went with my uncle and then guardian, sir Noah de Mohuns, to Clermont, where he had business - was also introducing me to the regional courts. There I was playing with some nobles of my age when we spotted a group of commoner boys and girls playing with wooden swords, and there was this foolish peasant girl my age claiming that she would one day be a knight! I knew better even then, and proceeded to snatch the wooden sword from her hand and break it before all of them. I still remember the faces all those commoners made as I loudly stated that they would never be knights, only butchers, farmers and with any luck, servants to noble ladies such as myself. This is the right order of the world, Nayala, where the rabble knows their place, lest they become undisciplined and rebellious. And when they do, true knights such as myself will not break their wooden swords, but tear their souls apart.

Carried by the winds,

Furiae de Haguns

Baroness of Faithill

Marshal of the Golden Host

Letter from Nalaya Everwind

Baroness Furiae,

I am aware of what happened in Mozyr, including the kiss.. Thank you for saving her, for my life at least would be far less bright were Haide not in it. As it would be without you too.

I think I clarified in my last letter that I meant not to lecture, I apologise it came across that way.

I mean what I say about your discussion in Knyazes. I trust both of you to handle this maturely - just as I would defend Haide were you to overstep the line (I am sure you won't), I would too defend you should Haide be the instigator.

I am sure you will both handle it just fine, but you cannot expect Haide to drop her opinions and morality, for her past life is far different to yours and mine. We have both seen the scars.

Onto your final paragraph, I feel like both crying and laughing. The girl you speak of, who dreamed of becoming a knight... know that she made it, she spends her days slaying real monsters and is now even a Viscountess. My heart hurts, Furiae, I suppose the crying is coming now rather than laughter. There is much more I could say on this, but you know not how this incident you speak of so lightly affected me. Perhaps I should thank you, really, for it only drove my determination higher.

You may choose to apologise now, but know that it would mean nothing. Because that girl was Nalaya Everwind, the girl in your last letter you say you dearly love.

But if Nalaya Everwind wasn't born a noble by pure chance, you would not love her dearly, would you? You would break her sword and her spirit for doing nothing. You did break her sword and her spirit.

I am more than my blood, my family. You clearly aren't.

Nalaya Everwind

Viscountess of Knyazes