Servant of the People|Aegestrom, Maelstrom

[Kender Bard]

Lya was reading over, for the third time, the letter she had received recently. It was penned by a lady she knew once, an old woman who tended to be the voice of the commoners when there was an open assembly. She was usually very accurate in their wishes as well. The only thing that kept her from a position on her old council was that the woman claimed she'd lose touch with her neighbors and the way they thought and felt. And, so, she contented herself with merely speaking up in crowds.

This letter, therefore, was not from just that one woman but from a great many of the citizens of Talen'sul. And it made her blood run cold.

She clenched it tightly in her hand and went looking for Shadow, hastening down corridors - her heels clicking on the floor and servants looking at her backside in confusion as she flew by them in a dignified, brisk walk.

[Northen Light36]

Shadow is in his study, discussing some day to day matters with Tuono, and more importantly the disappearence of Laura. While neither man would say it to Saph, Flash or Lya, they're beginning to have serious doubts she's still alive. Both fall silent as Lya enters.

"Lya, what's wrong?" Shadow asks.

[Kender Bard]

Lya tosses the crumpled letter onto Shadow's desk, turning her back and looking out a window, bracing herself against the frame and longing for a fresh breath of freedom. She'd tasted it in Contrasta, and at this first sign of problems, she longed for it again.

It read:

"Your Honorable and Graciousness, Queen Lya,

It is of the opinion of the peoples of Talen'sul, that there is a need for change in the highest part of our rulership. We all feel deeply for the loss of Lady Calder, and many of us mourn her absence and, Efil forbid, possible death. Many of the ladies here are contemplating what to do with Lord Calder, for he frets and worries so, and he is, after all, one of our own.

However, in recent light of things, Lord Beesebury has graciously donated much money, time, and effort into keeping the city running. He even was able to keep families fed during the terrible lightning storms, and is working diligently to restore our shattered economy. Through crisis and calmness, he has ever been working to help the community.

We do not fault Lord Calder for any negligence received while he works so very hard to find his lost wife. However, a town needs a strong man to lead us, one who knows the people and cares for them. Lord Beesebury has already proven his mettle under duress.

Therefore, we respectfully petition that Lord Beesebury be made the liege lord of Talen'sul.

-Old Margaery, on behalf of the people"

"That's what's wrong," Lya whispered after she'd given Shadow time to read.

[Northen Light36]

Shadow curses colourfully, burying his head in his hands for a moment as Tuono takes the letter and reads it.

"Forces damn it," Tuono mutters. "This was the last thing we needed... If Saph is demoted..."

"He won't care, but Flash will," Shadow mutters. "And, combinded with Laura's disappearence, the Maelstorm nobles might read it as a sign I'm washing my hands of the Calders... like they've been screaming for me to do since Flash joined the staff." Tuono sighes.

"Lya, how long do you think we can stall with this?" he asks grimly.

[Kender Bard]

"If I go there in person, I can stall for a while by listening to them in person, mouthing empty pleasantries and whatnot," she muttered. "But they'll know I'm stalling and they'll only put up with it for a while. My people know my family too well. We've always been swift to act."

[Northen Light36]

"Do it," Shadow replies. "Stall for as long as you can, Lya dear. Tuono..." Tuono looks grim.

"I know what to do, my lord," he replies with a sigh. He and Shadow exchange grim looks before Tuono hobbles off.

"Be careful, Lya," Shadow tells her, stroking her cheek. "I'll try and keep things under control here."

[Kender Bard]

Lya looked into his eyes when he stroked her cheek, deeply saddened. In fact, she felt her face grow flush and her eyes mist with the threat of tears. It's just baby-symptoms, like the nurses warned me. She turned away and hurried off; she was going to need lots of preparations for her trip back home.