Two Warnings, With Respect
Jun. 23rd, 2018 06:28 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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lostcorrespondenceAn unassuming letter, sealed with Idony Antyre's personal mark—the stylized five-petalled flower of Antyre embroidery over a Highlander warrior's ceremonial knife—and delivered discreetly to the home of Kerr Oake.
To my lord Kerr Oake—
I know we have not corresponded before, so please forgive my familiarity. I wish first to convey my condolences with regards to Sandoreale's recent actions against your house. I know the general was no close relation of yours, but that seems a cold comfort in light of murder. My brother, though his alliances now are to Antyre, has been distraught. I cannot imagine you fare much better.
We have had our differences, but you are an honourable man, and I know that you have hoped for peace in defiance of the growing signs against it. I know, too, that you must certainly have recognized already that all hope of peace is past. I write now to give you a warning of what is to come.
My house has made formal allegiance to Sandoreale (something of which you are, I am sure, excruciatingly aware). Know that we had no hand in their movements against either your own house or against Dillestoné. That Antyre has made no public move to support Sandoreale, our ostensible allies, has no doubt made this clear already to the heads of your house. I will further tell you this in confidence: my foster mother Cateline Antyre is one of our foremost military commanders, and in private she has been furious. Sandoreale's actions are without honour or sense. Cateline has assured me that our chief no doubt feels the same.
Antyre has also fostered ties to Oake. Our position is such that, at present, you ought not look to us for aid. On that subject I will commit no more to paper.
A second warning, then, this one of a more personal nature: I had occasion recently to dine with Lady Cecily Luneste, the sister of the Resshan ambassador. Do not be fooled by the frivolity of her manner, nor underestimate her cleverness. I rather suspect she has her own designs on our kingdom, independent of the more ordinary politicking one might expect when an ambitious empire sends its diplomats to the shores of a country in turmoil. She presents herself as a restraining hand on her brother's arm, but I cannot help but feel that if she is a hand, she is one that holds a knife.
The future is uncertain. I hope only that the next time we cross blades, it will not be over a field of war.
Yours,
Idony Antyre
Titled Warrior to Clan Antrye
To my lord Kerr Oake—
I know we have not corresponded before, so please forgive my familiarity. I wish first to convey my condolences with regards to Sandoreale's recent actions against your house. I know the general was no close relation of yours, but that seems a cold comfort in light of murder. My brother, though his alliances now are to Antyre, has been distraught. I cannot imagine you fare much better.
We have had our differences, but you are an honourable man, and I know that you have hoped for peace in defiance of the growing signs against it. I know, too, that you must certainly have recognized already that all hope of peace is past. I write now to give you a warning of what is to come.
My house has made formal allegiance to Sandoreale (something of which you are, I am sure, excruciatingly aware). Know that we had no hand in their movements against either your own house or against Dillestoné. That Antyre has made no public move to support Sandoreale, our ostensible allies, has no doubt made this clear already to the heads of your house. I will further tell you this in confidence: my foster mother Cateline Antyre is one of our foremost military commanders, and in private she has been furious. Sandoreale's actions are without honour or sense. Cateline has assured me that our chief no doubt feels the same.
Antyre has also fostered ties to Oake. Our position is such that, at present, you ought not look to us for aid. On that subject I will commit no more to paper.
A second warning, then, this one of a more personal nature: I had occasion recently to dine with Lady Cecily Luneste, the sister of the Resshan ambassador. Do not be fooled by the frivolity of her manner, nor underestimate her cleverness. I rather suspect she has her own designs on our kingdom, independent of the more ordinary politicking one might expect when an ambitious empire sends its diplomats to the shores of a country in turmoil. She presents herself as a restraining hand on her brother's arm, but I cannot help but feel that if she is a hand, she is one that holds a knife.
The future is uncertain. I hope only that the next time we cross blades, it will not be over a field of war.
Yours,
Idony Antyre
Titled Warrior to Clan Antrye
